### Mets Eyeing Star Slugger Juan Soto as Free Agency Looms

In a bid to boost their roster, the New York Mets are set to pursue baseball sensation Juan Soto during free agency, as confirmed by executive Carlos Beltran in an interview with Primera Hora, a Puerto Rican newspaper, at a recent charity pickleball event. The Mets, driven by owner Steve Cohen's vast financial resources, are prepared to do whatever it takes to sign the coveted player.

Beltran emphasized the Mets' commitment to enhancing their team and highlighted their intention to aggressively pursue Soto. "The Mets want to improve the team and there is no doubt that they will go after all the players that are on the open market knowing that the piece that everyone wants is Juan Soto," Beltran said. "And the Mets do not rule out going full blast after him."

Following an impressive run to the National League Championship Series, the Mets are well-positioned to compete for Soto, potentially outmaneuvering the New York Yankees, who are currently seen as the frontrunners. Beltran, who became part of the Mets' front office in February 2023, praised Cohen's genuine dedication to winning.

"The Mets' owner is one of the wealthiest in the game and wants to win," Beltran noted. "When he tells the press that he wants to win, he doesn't say it to rile up fans. It's personal for him and I got to see that being with the team this year."

Juan Soto, 26, is coming off a stellar season, recording a .288/.419/.569 batting line with 41 home runs, 109 RBIs, 128 runs, and 129 walks in 157 games. His remarkable performance earned him a finalist spot for the Gold Glove and his fifth career Silver Slugger award.

The competition for Soto, which also includes the Toronto Blue Jays and Boston Red Sox, is expected to drive his contract to astronomical levels. Experts predict a deal in the range of $600 million, though agent Scott Boras might aim for terms that rival the record-breaking 10-year, $700 million contract Shohei Ohtani secured with the Los Angeles Dodgers last winter.

To demonstrate their seriousness, Cohen is scheduled to fly to Southern California this week to meet with Soto. Mets' star shortstop Francisco Lindor, who has reportedly been recruiting Soto, arrived in Los Angeles recently and is expected to join the meeting. While Beltran didn't confirm Lindor's involvement, he indicated that Soto would have the chance to hear from him after previously playing with Yankees' Aaron Judge.

Boras informed reporters at the general manager's meetings that Soto will "take his time" before making a decision about his future in free agency, suggesting a highly competitive bidding process lies ahead.