The baseball world is abuzz with speculation surrounding the future of the New York Yankees’ superstar slugger, Juan Soto. On the other hand, with the trade deadline already looming, the New York Mets’ fans are holding their breath, wondering if their team has a chance to snag the generational talent. But amidst the frenzy, one MLB insider’s observations have cast a shadow of doubt on the Mets’ pursuit of both Soto and their homegrown slugger, Pete “Polar Bear” Alonso.

Ken Rosenthal, a respected voice in baseball circles, recently stated, “Juan Soto is no dummy. He sees what’s going on over there.” Rosenthal’s words—coupled with the Queens’ recent struggles and internal turmoil—have been raising questions about whether Soto would even consider joining the team, despite the availability of owner Steve Cohen’s notoriously deep pockets. As the drama unfolds, another Mets star, Pete Alonso, finds himself in an uncertain situation, his future with the team hanging in the balance.

“He Sees What’s Going On Over There”: Rosenthal expresses doubts about Mets’ pursuit of Juan Soto

Rosenthal’s skepticism on the Foul Territory discussion completely stems from the Mets’ current state of affairs. The team has been plagued by injuries, underperformance, and even unprofessional behavior, as witnessed by Jorge Lopez’s recent glove-throwing incident. The Mets’ struggles have led Rosenthal to question whether Soto—a player who prioritizes winning and stability—would be willing to join a team in such disarray.

Moreover, Rosenthal points out that the Queens need more than just Juan Soto to turn their fortunes around. While the Childish Bambino’s offensive prowess is undeniable, the Mets have deeper issues that need to be addressed at this very moment. This raises the question of whether acquiring Soto would be a wise investment for a team that has failed to live up to expectations in recent years.

As the Mets’ struggles continue, Pete Alonso’s future with the team has become increasingly uncertain. Rosenthal believes that Alonso could be the biggest name available at the trade deadline, especially if the team decides to cut ties with their homegrown slugging first baseman. To complicate things further, Alonso’s contract situation doesn’t answer many of the questions either.

According to insider Joel Sherman, the Metsies reportedly offered Alonso a contract worth over $150 million, which he declined, seeking a more lucrative deal after spending his entire 5-year career playing for them. This has led to speculation that Alonso’s days as a Met may be numbered, as the team may not be willing to meet his demands. Across the city, however, while the Mets pursuit of Juan Soto appears to be on shaky ground, the Bombers remain confident in their ability to retain the young superstar.

Yankees’ confidence and the “underlying message”

Despite owner Hal Steinbrenner’s remarks about the team’s payroll not being “sustainable,” the Bombers are reportedly prepared to offer Soto a deal that would match or exceed Aaron Judge’s $40 million AAV. Jon Heyman, another prominent MLB insider, believes that the Yankees’ “underlying message” is more positive than it seems.

Heyman points out that the Yanks have significant financial flexibility due to impending expiring contracts and are actually committed to keeping Soto in pinstripes. While also suggesting that the Yankees may view the Mets as their biggest competition for Soto, Heyman believes that the Mets’ desperation could further fuel the rivalry between the two New York teams.

With the trade deadline approaching, the battle for Juan Soto is heating up. The Mets, despite their current struggles, cannot be counted out due to Steve Cohen’s deep pockets and willingness to spend big. However, the Yankees’ confidence, financial resources, their long-standing proven records of success compared to their cross-town rivals, and Soto’s positive experience in New York this season make them a formidable opponent.

Soto’s decision will have a ripple effect on both the Mets and the Yankees. For the Mets, acquiring Soto could be a turning point, a chance to inject new life into a struggling team. But if they fail to land him, it could further exacerbate their current woes and raise questions about the direction of the franchise. For the Yankees, retaining Soto would solidify their status as a perennial contender and send a message to the rest of the league that they are willing to do whatever it takes to win. However, losing him would be a significant blow and could force the Yankees to re-evaluate their offseason plans. In the end, Soto and his agent Scott Boras’ decisions will ultimately shape the future of two of the oldest MLB franchises.