By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2024-11-27 04:51:28 | Updated at 2024-11-27 07:50:23
3 hours ago
Juan Soto has decided to sign for the New York Mets on a $700million deal, according to former MLB player Carlos Baerga.
Baerga made the claim on Tuesday night on social media, saying: 'Well my people, these messages are coming directly. I think Juan Soto will sign with the NY Mets and it is about 700 million, my people.'
Baerga shared his update alongside a report that Mets center fielder Jose Siri said he would give up his No 22 jersey for Soto if he joined the team.
There has been no official confirmation from Soto or the Mets, who are in the running alongside multiple other organizations such as the Yankees, Boston Red Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers, as well as Toronto Blue Jays.
Baerga used to play for the Mets and since retiring in 2005 has worked as an analyst on Spanish baseball coverage for ESPN.
Soto is a free agent after spending last year with the New York Yankees, with the team losing the World Series to the Dodgers.
Juan Soto is apparently ditching pinstripes and heading to the New York Mets
Soto will sign a $700million deal with the Mets, according to ex-MLB player Carlos Baerga
Partnering Aaron Judge in an explosive Yankees lineup, the 26-year-old was hugely popular at Yankee Stadium - a reputation he would instantly trash with a move from the Bronx to Queens.
The left-hander hit 41 home runs in the regular season for the Yankees who, if Baerga is correct, must now turn their focus on rebuilding their roster for 2025.
One player they could go for is a former Met. First baseman Pete Alonso is also in free agency after his Citi Field contract ran out and the Yankees need a replacement for Anthony Rizzo.
But make no mistake, Soto joining the crosstown rivals in New York would be a huge blow for Yankees manager Aaron Boone.
The Mets overcame a brutal start last season - in early June, they had the third-worst record in MLB - to reach the NLCS where they were beaten by the Dodgers in six.
Should Carlos Mendoza land the biggest prize of free agency, it would be huge statement.
Soto toyed with his fans earlier on Tuesday by sharing a vide on Instagram captioned: 'The announcement you have been waiting for.'
But it was actually Soto announcing a deal to promote a drink. Yankees fans looking for hope that Baerga is wrong, however, will find it in the comments section of Soto's latest post.
Soto liked a comment on the post that said: 'Juan - you're stressing me out! New York wants you here #Yankeesforlife #pinstripepride'.
Johnny Damon, a 2009 World Series winner with the Yankees, commented three eyes-wide-open emojis on the post which also got a like from Soto.
