ESPN: New York Mets beats rivals in a race to sign Yankees’ outfielder Juan Soto in a blockbuster deal worth…..see details

Now there’s even more reason for the New York Mets to be optimistic about signing superstar outfielder Juan Soto.

The New York Post’s Jon Heyman reports that on Saturday, a meeting was set up in Newport Beach, California, between the 26-year-old outfielder and his agent Scott Boras. The meeting was attended by Mets owner Steve Cohen and other high-ranking officials, including David Stearns, field manager Carlos Mendoza, and president of baseball operations.

The meeting appears to have gone well, solidifying the Mets’ status as a favorite to sign Soto, though details are few.

“Word is the Mets presentation was a ‘big production’ and ‘very detailed’,” said Heyman. “One person suggested the Mets are ‘hopeful’ — and maybe even optimistic — about their chances to win easily the biggest prize of this free-agent class.”

The Boston Red Sox, the Toronto Blue Jays, and the Mets all visited with Soto, although it is presently unclear whether any of those teams extended formal contract offers. Whatever the case may be, the Dominican sensation will almost certainly become the highest-paid position player in Major League Baseball history.

Soto’s anticipated deal could reach $600 million or maybe that historic $700 million figure in value, without any deferrals. Shohei Ohtani currently holds the record with a 10-year, $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, but most of that money is being deferred, so it’s only worth $470 million at most.

When the Mets and the Yankees meet on Monday, the outfielder will face his biggest rivals—the team he played for in 2024—as they are across town. Even while they’re just as eager to sign the superstar and enjoy benefits like familiarity and (probably) meeting last, the Mets also have substantial advantages. Of all, Cohen’s practically endless bank account is the most glaring, but it helps that they have a playoff contender on the rise and over $150 million in revenue.

The Mets are setting themselves up for one of the most exciting offseasons in Major League Baseball history, what with great first baseman Pete Alonso hitting free agency and a plethora of pitching talent available (Corbin Burnes, Blake Snell, among others). But signing Soto to a record-breaking deal is obviously their number one priority.