Mets Pursue Juan Soto Amid Free Agency Interest

As Major League Baseball's offseason begins, the New York Mets are positioning themselves as serious contenders for star outfielder Juan Soto, with owner Steve Cohen planning a meeting with Soto's agent, Scott Boras. The Mets, freshly bolstered by a successful trade deadline that improved their farm system, are also expected to re-sign first baseman Pete Alonso, whose market value exceeds $174 million. The stakes are high, as Soto's anticipated contract could surpass $500 million, with reports suggesting it may even exceed the record $700 million deal signed by Shohei Ohtani. Meanwhile, the Baltimore Orioles have expressed interest in free-agent outfielder Teoscar Hernández, who had a standout season with the Dodgers, although it's unclear if they will pursue him seriously. As teams prepare for the upcoming season, the Mets and Orioles are both navigating a landscape filled with potential big-name acquisitions and strategic moves to enhance their rosters.