WHERE WILL JUAN SOTO GO? Yankees Look to Seal the Deal as Mets Could Pass

"Steve Cohen to fly west to sit down with Juan Soto and Scott Boras"

"David Stearn's Analytics vs. Steve Cohen's Big Spending Will the Mets Pass on Soto"

"Yank fans will be pissed off if Hank does not sign Soto, Mets fans will be pissed if Cohen does not sign Soto" Atlanta and Phillies coming from behind?

My memo-

As Juan Soto nears free agency, he stands as the most coveted hitter on the market— and one of the most expensive. With his unmatched discipline at the plate, rare power, and ability to change the game, Soto is the kind of player who doesn’t hit free agency often. The Yankees and Mets are obvious contenders in the pursuit, but recent dynamics within the Mets’ organization suggest a shift: David Stearns, the new President of Baseball Operations, may not be eager to go all-in on a mega-contract for a single player.

While Steve Cohen has the funds to offer Soto a massive deal, Stearns' approach leans more toward analytically driven, sustainable team-building than toward handing out record-breaking contracts. As the Mets show signs of backing off, the Yankees’ path to securing Soto becomes clearer. But with Atlanta and the Phillies lurking as dark horse candidates, the bidding for Soto could get very interesting.

The Mets’ Strategy Under David Stearns: Is Soto Worth the Cost?

The Mets have changed drastically under Cohen, spending at unprecedented levels and aiming to compete with the Yankees for star power. Yet, with David Stearns at the helm, the team’s priorities are starting to shift. Stearns is known for his analytical approach and a tendency to shy away from long-term, high-risk contracts for individual players. His success with the Milwaukee Brewers came from smart, calculated roster construction—focusing on depth, balance, and efficiency rather than on blockbuster contracts.

A record-setting deal for Soto—rumored to be potentially around 12 years at $720 million—might be outside of Stearns’ ideal framework. Cohen may want to bring a superstar like Soto to Queens, but Stearns’ analytic philosophy will likely encourage a different approach. The Mets are in a stage where building a well-rounded roster might be more sustainable for their long-term goals. Ultimately, Stearns’ influence could lead to the Mets backing off from the Soto sweepstakes, no matter how much Cohen wants to compete with the Yankees for talent.

Yankees: Ready to Make a Statement?

The Yankees, on the other hand, may be primed to make the splash. While the Yankees have faced criticism in recent years for their conservative spending relative to their historic reputation, Hank Steinbrenner could be ready to pull the trigger on a record deal to keep Soto in the Bronx.

The Yankees have a knack for bringing in marquee players who resonate with the fanbase, and Soto’s potential pairing with Aaron Judge is the kind of spectacle Yankees fans dream about. With the Mets seemingly out of the picture, Steinbrenner may have the green light to offer Soto a mega-contract, locking him in as a Yankee for the foreseeable future. This would be a powerful statement to Yankees fans, signaling that the front office is fully committed to competing for championships. A 12-year, $720 million contract would be an unprecedented deal, but Soto’s age (25) and potential make it feasible. Unlike older stars who receive long deals for shorter windows of peak performance, Soto’s best years are arguably still ahead. This is a rare opportunity for the Yankees to sign a young superstar who could help lead them back to World Series glory.

Dark Horses in the Race: Braves and Phillies

While the Yankees seem poised to lead the charge, the race for Soto isn’t a one-horse competition. Two teams could quietly swoop in with competitive offers: the Atlanta Braves and the Philadelphia Phillies. Both clubs have the motivation, talent, and financial capacity to challenge the Yankees.

Atlanta Braves

The Braves have built an impressive core that’s both young and successful, with long-term contracts for players like Ronald Acu?a Jr., Austin Riley, and Matt Olson. This commitment to retaining talent and their clear desire to win gives them a compelling case to pursue Soto, especially if they’re able to offload contracts or rework payroll to make room.

Adding Soto to their lineup would be a massive statement and could keep the Braves atop the National League for years to come. While they’ve historically been careful with massive contracts, the Braves may decide that Soto is the missing piece in building a dynasty. The question is whether they would be willing to stretch their budget for a once-in-a-generation talent. If Soto is serious about winning, the Braves are an attractive choice.

Philadelphia Phillies

The Phillies have a recent history of landing big-ticket players like Bryce Harper and Trea Turner, making them a logical dark horse. Owner John Middleton has demonstrated a willingness to spend for star power, and Soto could be the next major acquisition to push them closer to another championship. Soto’s lefty bat would fit seamlessly in Citizens Bank Park, where his power would shine.

With a team built around an aggressive, competitive roster, the Phillies might be ready to make a substantial financial offer if they believe Soto will take them over the top. If the Mets aren’t going to offer big money, Philadelphia could step in as the contender ready to outbid the Yankees.

What This Scout Thinks

From a scouting perspective, Soto’s game is worth the investment for a team that can financially support it. He’s a rare combination of talent and discipline—a player who could be a cornerstone of a franchise and bring immense value both on and off the field. But teams have to be cautious with long-term deals, as they can quickly become albatrosses if performance or health declines. That said, Soto’s age and upside make him one of the safer bets, especially if he can anchor a lineup and produce consistently.

In the case of the Mets, David Stearns' analytical approach likely prioritizes depth and versatility over single big-ticket players. The Yankees, meanwhile, could use Soto as the marquee signing that returns them to the top tier of MLB dominance. Atlanta and Philadelphia both have the talent and money to make compelling offers, adding another layer of intrigue to this bidding war.

The Bottom Line

As the Mets potentially bow out, the Yankees are positioned as the front-runners. But dark horses like Atlanta and Philadelphia remain lurking, ready to pounce if the opportunity arises. Ultimately, Juan Soto’s decision could reshape the landscape of the MLB, but for now, all eyes are on Steinbrenner and the Yankees. This bidding war isn’t just about a player—it’s about legacy, pride, and the future of baseball in New York. If the Yankees are serious about winning, Soto in pinstripes could be the answer.

One? thing is for sure whoever gets Juan Soto, Juan picks up the bill!