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SAN ANTONIO -- As the MLB offseason kicks into gear with the conclusion of the GM Meetings, the long-rumored free agency of Juan Soto has drawn significant attention, particularly from the New York Yankees and Mets. The hot pursuit from these two franchises is evolving with intriguing dynamics.

The Yankees are making a substantial effort to retain Soto after his impactful presence on their roster this past season. Soto, recognized not only for his talent but also for his remarkable maturity and work ethic at just 25 years old, has left many within the Yankees' organization guessing about his future preferences. His free agency bears a resemblance to Aaron Judge’s, where there was considerable ambiguity about Judge’s choice between the Yankees and the San Francisco Giants.

Despite the uncertainty, there is an underlying belief that Soto appreciated his time with the Yankees and would consider re-signing if presented with a satisfactory offer. The notion that Soto will invariably sign with the highest bidder is deemed overly simplistic. However, the Yankees are expected to come close to the top financial offer. From a player’s perspective, Soto bears a responsibility to push for higher salaries for future generations of free agents.

Enter the New York Mets, equipped with the ambition, resources, and payroll flexibility required to potentially outperform the Yankees in financial terms. Speculation suggests the Mets are gearing up for an aggressive bid for Soto. Owner Steve Cohen’s track record indicates that he goes all-in on free agents he perceives as genuinely interested in joining the Mets' fold. Cohen’s willingness to offer historic deals, as seen with Max Scherzer and the attempt to sign Yoshinobu Yamamoto, stems from these personal evaluations.

However, Cohen and the Mets are wary of being used as leverage, evident from their strategic lowball offer to Craig Counsell last offseason. Therefore, upcoming meetings between Soto and the Mets will be crucial in determining their next steps.

Interestingly, the Mets’ strategy does not solely hinge on signing Soto. Cohen hired David Stearns for his acumen in uncovering hidden market values, meaning the Mets have a variety of potential paths to success this offseason.

One factor not significantly deterring either team is the perceived limitations in Soto’s game. Despite his one-dimensionality—primarily excelling in hitting—his prowess is on a Ted Williams level. Both franchises seem unperturbed by committing historic finances to a Hall of Fame-caliber hitter, even with the potential of Soto transitioning to a designated hitter role in his 30s.

As the Soto saga unfolds, both the Yankees and Mets are gearing up for negotiations that could significantly shape their respective futures in Major League Baseball.