Report: Mets Eyeing Yankees Slugger for Next Season According to a report, the Mets are gearing up to pursue a big-name Yankees outfielder in the upcoming offseason. Despite the Yankees’ recent acquisition of Juan Soto, the Mets are keeping a close watch on his potential availability beyond this season.
ESPN’s Buster Olney shared insights from Mets’ camp, indicating a strong intention to make a move for Juan Soto in the next winter’s free agency market. With significant contracts like Scherzer’s set to expire, the Mets are poised to capitalize on their financial flexibility.
The Yankees’ acquisition of Soto came with the understanding that it might only be a short-term deal, as the talented outfielder is expected to explore free agency, following the strategy typical of his agent, Scott Boras. Yankees’ GM Brian Cashman has acknowledged the temporary nature of Soto’s tenure in pinstripes.
Soto, boasting an impressive track record including multiple All-Star appearances and Silver Slugger awards, showcased his prowess with stats like a .275 batting average, a .930 OPS, 35 home runs, and 109 RBIs in the 2023 season.
In the trade that brought Soto to the Yankees, they parted with pitchers Michael King, Randy Vasquez, Jhony Brito, and Drew Thorpe, along with catcher Kyle Higashioka, in exchange for Soto and outfielder Trent Grisham.
Meanwhile, the Mets also face the potential departure of their own power hitter, Pete Alonso, as Mets’ president of baseball operations David Stearns hinted at Alonso hitting the open market. Alonso’s 2023 season saw him posting a .217 batting average, an .821 OPS, along with 46 home runs and 118 RBIs.
