The New York Mets have had arguably the most disappointing season of any team in 2023, somehow turning MLB’s highest payroll into a losing record.
Could adding one more superstar/high-priced player make the difference?
Baseball insider Jeff Passan told the Baseball is Dead podcast Wednesday that the Mets would be a “scary possibility” to land San Diego Padres slugger Juan Soto via a trade this offseason. The three-time All-Star outfielder will be eligible for free agency after next season if he doesn’t sign a new deal.
He’s expected to command a huge (think $500 million) new contract. While a recent report suggested the Padres want to keep him, another report said several MLB general managers expect San Diego to trade Soto this offseason.
Enter the Mets. If there’s one thing the Mets ownership has shown, it’s a willingness to spend money on players.
“The Mets are a scary possibility for Juan Soto and I think the Mets probably are in a better position to offer prospects to go out and get him,” Passan said. “Because I think Mets ownership has shown the aptitude and desire to sign guys like Soto long-term.”
No one can blame Soto for the Padres’ struggles this year, because he’s put up huge numbers: 35 home runs, an MLB-leading 128 walks and a .935 OPS.
Mets fans had mixed thoughts on the possibility of Soto joining the team.
Don't want to get my hopes up, but this would be incredible.
— Lets Talk NY Mets Baseball (@LetsTalkNYMets) September 27, 2023
Wouldn’t that go against the Cohen goal of building up the farm system?
— Nick Clements (@NickCActor) September 28, 2023
Tempting but I say wait a year to potentially sign him and keep our prospects
— Josh Ricci (@joshricci7) September 27, 2023
theres a lot of prospects in the pipeline in positions we have depth in. Soto being a trade aquisition does make sense.. however unless its a trade and Soto inmediately signs, I fail to see why this is a discussion. Soto is a free agent in 25.. just stall out.
— Metr0 🙂 (@Metr0_76) September 28, 2023
