In a clear sign that the Juan Soto sweepstakes are well underway and that the New York Mets hold major interest, owner Steve Cohen will fly to California next week to visit the top MLB free agent, league sources confirmed to The Athletic on Thursday.
The meeting was first reported by the New York Post. It would not at all be surprising if other owners visited Soto and his agent, Scott Boras.
Cohen, the league’s wealthiest owner, has experience courting high-profile free agents. Last year, he flew to Japan to see Yoshinobu Yamamoto and then hosted the star pitcher at his home in Connecticut. Yamamoto ended up choosing the Los Angeles Dodgers. But Cohen has not hesitated to pull out his wallet and commit large sums to players he’s coveted since assuming ownership in 2020.
Soto, 26, made $31 million with the New York Yankees this season. He is expected to command a multiyear deal worth more than $600 million.
(Photo of Juan Soto: Maddie Meyer / Getty Images)
