Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner made a great pitch to megastar free agent Juan Soto, according to a friend, so whether they re-sign Soto and the Soto Sweepstakes are wide open between a po sible final five teams (and maybe a sixth) the Yankees accomplished what they needed to at their Soto previously formed very close relationships at stops with owners of the Nationals (Ted Lerner) and Padres (Peter Seidler), and Sotos friend said he was hoping for the same with Steinbrenner. While it didnt happen during Sotos first season in The Bronx, with Steinbrenner mainly using longtime Yankees stars Aaron Judge and Gerrit Cole as clubhouse contacts, Steinbrenner nicely explained at Sotos California confab that he didnt want to disrupt Juans routine, or words to that effect. While he loved the Judge-led clubhouse, Soto is seeking a strong rapport with whatever owner hes partnering with for up to the next 15 seasons. And word is he felt better about Steinbrenner and the Yankees after their meeting, when MLBs most marquee franchise also emphasized its edge over everyone else in revenue, tradition and brand. GM Brian Cashman filled him in on their player development history, and they also mentioned how they even developed the Mets and Phillies managers (Carlos Mendoza and Rob Thomson). The Yankees met with Juan Soto this week. Robert Sabo for NY Post The Yankees were smart not to cut down the rival Mets but did mention how they spearheaded efforts to help the deep-pocketed Steve Cohen win the rival team. (That position could ultimately come back to bite them in cases like this, as they had to know.) Yankees people believe Soto, like most free agents, will take the best deal, which is why the Mets with Cohen are probably as well positioned as anyone. Dante Caputo Jersey Steinbrenner publicly painted an accurate picture when he said Its a battle of five teams (six if the Phillies get in; while theyre interested, they didnt have a meeting yet) and some dont expect the Yankees to be high bidders when bids start coming in soon. Heres a rundown of the pluses and minuses of the five sure Soto contenders (plus the Phillies po sibility). Explore More 1. Mets Pluses: Cohen has more money than anyone and . They have $150M coming off the books and are a team on the rise. Minuses: Theyre mi sing 60 percent of a rotation (though Cohen and Co. surely told him they intend to fill those openings well). A Yankees-to-Mets move is unusual. 2. Yankees Pluses: They contend every year. Soto loved the clubhouse. They also lead MLB in revenue. Minuses: While he enjoyed the Bleacher Creature Roll Call, some think he prefers things somewhat quieter. Steinbrenner is gung ho over Soto, but they dont relish bidding wars. Hal Steinbrenner at the MLB Owners meetings on Nov. 20, 2024. Gabriella Ba s 3. Blue Jays Pluses: Owner Edward Rogers has money . They have Vlad Guerrero Jr. to bat behind him (but hes a free agent after 2025). Its a big city but quieter and calmer. Minuses: Canadian tax. Lackluster 2024 season. 4. Dodgers Pluses: They have the best roster. Their organization is top notch. Guggenheim Partners can afford him even after spending $1B plus last winter. Soto loved San Diego and the west generally is not viewed negatively. Minuses: They dont often win bidding wars. LA is far from Sotos parents in the Dominican. Scott Boras talks with Mets owner Steve Cohen. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post Juan Soto and Aaron Judge celebrate for Yankees. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post 5. Red Sox Pluses: Fenway fits him even better than Yankee Stadium, as they told him. Co-owner Tom Werner, manager Alex Cora and Co. Minuses: While theyve won four World Series this century, theyve finished last three of the last five seasons. 6. Phillies Pluses: and just took on new investors. Soto likes hitting coach Kevin Long, Bryce Harper and Trea Turner from Nats days. Minuses: They may be late. (Are they trying to clear salary first?) Raelon Singleton Jersey