a record contract worth $765 million over 15 yearsPete Alonso of the New York Mets watches his three-run home run during the first inning of game five of the NLCS.Juan Soto’s historic decision was more than a battle between the Mets and Yankees“ just needs some time to go out and test his market and see what it is,” Cohen said. “And hopefully we’ll get there.”
Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns has remained consistent in saying the Mets have the payroll flexibility needed to add additional pieces. “Where we spend those resources remains to be seen, and how far we go remains to be seen,” Stearns said. Soto last season was minus-five in outs above average — placing him in MLB’s 14th percentile, according to Statcast.“I think he is probably league average as a right fielder, and I think he has the ability to get better,” Stearns said. “That is something we actually talked to Juan about during one of the meetings with him, and he’s motivated to continue to improve his defense.