It isn’t hidden that Juan Soto is currently New York’s darling. The Dominican star has taken the New York Yankees by storm. Though there are calls for turning this temporary alliance into a permanent partnership, the New York Mets might put a spanner on these plans. Their interest in Soto isn’t a secret. Now even JD Martinez has praised the Childish Bambino.

During an exclusive interview with EssentiallySports, JD Martinez talked about his partnership with Pfizer. The Mets star raised awareness of Asthma and why proper treatment is essential to living a normal life. However, the talk shifted towards the Mets’ iconic comeback in 2024. From being 49-46 at the All-Star Break to now being on the cusp of playoffs, the Mets have had a tremendous journey. But can that journey play a role in attracting Juan Soto to the Mets? JD Martinez answered that in a few words.

“I think so,” Martinez said during his exclusive interview with EssentiallySports. Later, the 37-year-old explained the possible psyche with which Soto might approach his free agency. “Juan Soto is going to look for the best contract for him and his family and what puts him in the best position,” Martinez noted. However, while Flaco wasn’t too sure about Juan Soto’s decision, he had no doubts about one thing.

“Obviously I think every team would want Juan Soto. He’s a great talented player,” Martinez said. Talented might even be an understatement for Soto. The Dominican slugger is in the top 5 of nearly every stat in the American League. Soto’s .990 OPS is just behind Aaron Judge. With 124 runs scored Juan Soto obliterates the entire American League. Again his 125 walks put him behind only All Rise. It’s these numbers that ultimately explain why Soto’s free agency is getting so much attention.

Juan Soto’s free agency could set new records

According to The Athletics’ Tim Britton, Juan Soto might be primed for a 14-year $560 million deal. How did Britton come to this conclusion? It was just some basic mathematics and economics at play. While Shohei Ohtani did obliterate records with a $700 million deal, the deferrals reduced it to $438 million – still huge but not quite as big as before. With a $43.8 million AAV, it pretty much set the market for Soto’s free agency.

Juan Soto has already turned down the Washington Nationals’ $440 million offer once. So that is enough to understand just how high his aspirations go. Before the 2024 season, Soto’s value was a little down (His Padres stint wasn’t really electrifying), but the Yankees stint has completely turned things around for him. On top of that Juan Soto is joining Alex Rodriguez and Albert Pujols as the only three players in baseball history to enter free agency with over 32 WAR.

All of that means Juan Soto might create a big history this fall season. As JD Martinez said, every team would want Soto. But the question is – which team can afford him; would it be the Yankees or the Mets? Let us know in the comments.