Juan Soto Rumors: 'Sense' Yankees Can Retain Star with 'Fair' Contract amid Mets Buzz

The New York Yankees will face significant competition for star free agent Juan Soto from multiple teams, including the New York Mets.

However, SNY's Andy Martino reported that during the MLB general manager meetings, "there is definitely a sense around Soto that he enjoyed the Yankee experience and will return if the team presents what he considers a fair offer."

Many believe that money will be the driving factor in Soto's decision in free agency, as he is expected to command a historic contract. However, Martino noted that "the notion that Soto will simply go to the highest bidder no matter what appears oversimplified." Still, it will be up to the Yankees to pay him what he's worth, as the 26-year-old "has a responsibility to future generations of free agents to continue to push salaries upward."

Martino pointed out that this gives the Mets a chance to swoop in with a deal Soto can't refuse.

"The team has the ambition, resources, and payroll flexibility to make the top offer to Soto," Martino said of the Mets. "There is an enormous amount of informed speculation going around that they are planning to do so. I definitely have the impression that the Mets are willing to be very aggressive financially here."

Soto increased his star power even more in his first year in New York, helping the Yankees make it to the World Series for the first time since 2009. His agent Scott Boras said he will prioritize "winning" when considering his options in free agency, but it's obvious that it will take a massive deal to land him this winter.

Soto's decision could shape the landscape in MLB for years to come, as he will be a difference-maker for whichever team he signs with this offseason.