**Yankees Meeting with Juan Soto Reveals Key Details Amid Mets Rivalry**

Initial reports have surfaced about the New York Yankees' meeting with free-agent star Juan Soto, potentially giving them a distinct advantage that their New York rivals, the Mets, can't match at the moment.

The Yankees are capitalizing on Soto's free-agent status as he entertains offers from several top teams, including the Blue Jays, Red Sox, Mets, Dodgers, and soon, the Phillies. Soto, only 26 years old, is widely considered the most talented player on the market. His agent, Scott Boras, is expected to secure a significant contract during the MLB Winter Meetings.

In an effort to attract Soto, the Yankees brought out their big guns for the initial meeting. Present at the discussion were Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner, General Manager Brian Cashman, President Randy Levine, Manager Aaron Boone, and special advisor Omar Minaya. Interestingly, Minaya is a former Mets general manager, adding an element of intrigue to the Yankees' pitch.

According to Bob Klapisch of NJ.com, the meeting went remarkably well, largely because the Yankees had an edge in terms of familiarity and established success. Soto, who played for the Yankees last season and contributed to their AL Pennant win, is looking for long-term commitment to winning—something the Yankees have demonstrated they are willing to provide.

Klapisch reported, "Each member of the hierarchy had an opportunity to address Soto directly, emphasizing the strong relationship the slugger has with his Yankees teammates, the fans, and the city at large."

While the Mets can make similar promises and boast their own set of advantages, they lack the Yankees' extensive international brand recognition. The sensation that Yankee players like Aaron Judge and Soto bring to ballparks, packed with fans both supportive and adversarial, is not something the Mets currently match. Despite Mets owner Steve Cohen's significant efforts, the franchise is still growing into its own.

In the end, the Yankees' perceived advantages may play a crucial role in their pursuit of Soto. If the star player values his experience in the Bronx as highly as the Yankees' leadership believes he does, there's a strong chance he'll remain with the team. Otherwise, several other franchises are waiting in the wings, ready to meet his demands.