Juan Soto, at 26 years old, has marked his batting skills and impressive .421 on-base percentage, along with winning a World Series with the Washington Nationals in 2019. In 2024, he entered the World Series with the New York Yankees before hitting the free agency market last month. His unique mix of power at the plate and disciplined approach, along with his age, make him highly sought-after by teams aiming to strengthen their lineup.

In a quest, Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner is stepping up his game in trying to get outfielder Juan Soto by arranging a direct visit to California. This action mirrors the efforts of Mets owner Steve Cohen, who recently announced his meeting with Soto and his agent. Showcasing the rivalry between New York’s top baseball teams as they compete for Sotos skills in preparation for the upcoming 2025 season.

 Yankees’ direct approach to acquiring Juan Soto

According to the New York Post, Steinbrenner is expected to fly out for a visit with the superstar free agent and his agent in about a week and a half, industry sources said Friday, a few days after Steve Cohen’s meet. Steinbrenner has emphasized his belief in Soto’s future with the team by expressing interest in discussing a contract extension before the outfielder becomes an agent. “This is a very unique player,” Steinbrenner added, that the Yankees would consider engaging in extension negotiations if Soto is happy playing for them in their iconic pinstripes.

Meanwhile, in the baseball world, the New York Mets, led by Cohen, are eager about the possibility of having Soto join their roster for the upcoming season. Cohen’s reputation for investing substantially in top players has been widely recognized, and his recent discussions with Soto highlight his ambition of making a big impact during this offseason. Both owners understand the impact that having Soto on their teams could have. Not in terms of his performance on the field but also in terms of his marketability as a key figure representing the team.

Steve Cohens’ vision for the New York Mets

Since becoming the owner of the Mets in 2020, Steve Cohen has significantly transformed how the team goes about building its roster. Having an estimated worth exceeding $17 billion, Cohen stands as the owner of Major League Baseball. His substantial financial means have empowered the Mets to consistently compete when acquiring top-tier talent, and Juan Soto is no different from that trend.

Cohen has emphasized his readiness to invest any amount in transforming the Mets into top contenders on the field. Guided by his direction, far in charge of the team has seen high-caliber signings such as Max Scherzer, Justin Verlander, and Francisco Lindor. Often setting financial benchmarks, Cohen has expressed his ambition of clinching a World Series victory in the coming years, and the possible addition of Soto seamlessly integrates with that objective.

At last Cohen’s fascination with Soto also comes with a sense of rivalry attached. By outdoing the Yankees in acquiring such a player, the Mets would not only boost their team but also psychologically impact their nearby competitors. This ongoing showdown between Cohen and Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner brings an element of excitement into the quest for Soto’s recruitment. Sets the scene for a captivating narrative in baseball.