SAN ANTONIO — The Mets’ full-court press on Juan Soto is about to begin.
Industry insiders say the free agent slugger is increasingly a top priority for teams this offseason, with Mets owner Steve Cohen traveling to Southern California next week to meet Soto and his agent. He is said to be scheduled to meet with Scott Boras.
Several other owners are expected to meet with Boras and Soto in the coming weeks.
It’s unclear whether that includes Hal Steinbrenner, but Yankees GM Brian Cashman recently said Soto’s familiarity with the organization from last season could prevent talks. .
But Cashman added that the Yankees intend to meet with Soto as many times as the free agent desires.
It’s possible that Cohen will meet with other Boras free agents while the owner visits Boras’ agent facility.
Boras’ stable this offseason includes Corbin Barnes, Blake Snell and Alex Bregman. Boras also represents Pete Alonso, who is looking to return to the Mets on a long-term deal.
Cohen has been active in recruiting top free agents during his stewardship.
Last offseason, he traveled to Japan with baseball operations director David Stearns to meet with pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
Later in the offseason, Cohen invited Yamamoto and his squad to a dinner party at his home. The right-handed pitcher ultimately signed a 12-year contract with the Dodgers worth $325 million.
Yamamoto’s courtship marks the first time in recent years that both the Yankees and Mets are intensely pursuing a star player in free agency.
They are currently in their second consecutive offseason.
The Dodgers also believe Soto is a factor in free agency, potentially leading to an all-out battle for the Soto outfielder as the Mets look to avoid the disappointment of losing yet another premier free agent to an organization they’re aiming for. There is sex.
Soto, 26, could sign a contract that approaches or exceeds the 10-year, $700 million deal that Shohei Ohtani received last winter.
Ohtani’s much-delayed contract is currently worth $437.5 million.
“I don’t think Ohtani has anything to do with Juan Soto,” Boras said during this week’s GM meeting. “That’s not something we discuss or consider. Juan Soto is in an age category that sets him apart from other players. So when we do these things for these young players, , no comparability is obtained.”
Mr. Cohen and Mr. Boras are certainly no strangers to negotiation.
Before the 2022 season, Cohen was involved in negotiations to acquire Boras’ client Max Scherzer to the Mets.
The following offseason, Cohen was involved in negotiations regarding Brandon Nimmo’s new contract and Carlos Correa’s failed contract.
In the latter case, after agreeing to terms with the All-Star infielder, the Mets requested a reduction in his guarantee due to concerns about his health.
Cohen and Boras could not find common ground, and Correa signed with the Twins.
The Mets have a lot of money off their books after this season, with players like Scherzer, Justin Verlander and James McCann leaving midway through their respective contracts, taking away $90 million in dead money alone. It was.
