Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner is said to remain steadfast in his interest in signing Juan Soto long term — though the Yankees do seem to be convinced now it isn’t happening in-season.
Steinbrenner is the one who saved the Aaron Judge negotiations by stepping out to match the Giants’ $360 million, nine-year bid (turns out Steinbrenner was correct).
The organizational support to keep Soto may be even more solid (Brian Cashman and Co. gave up five pitchers for Soto). However, the stakes are higher as Soto — five years younger than Judge — will be seeking $500M plus, and likely even $600M.
Soto’s expected reticence to negotiate in-season stems from a preference not to distract from the season (plus, of course, the opportunity to choose.) Let’s face it: No star of that caliber signs months from free agency.
Pete Alonso already showed he knows how to negotiate. By saying publicly to The Post’s Mike Puma (and perhaps others) he’d consider doing the Home Run Derby if he made the All-Star team, MLB had little choice but to put him on the team.
With Shohei Ohtani, Judge, Soto, Matt Olson and other big-time sluggers not participating, the Derby flat needed Alonso.
The two-time champion Alonso (who donates winnings to worthy causes) did MLB a favor, but also unwittingly decreased the chances for deserving Francisco Lindor and Brandon Nimmo to make the team.
And by the way, do the Padres, now tied with the Mets for the final NL playoff spot, really need five All-Stars to one for the Mets?
Credit Carlos Mendoza for moving Lindor to leadoff (.885 OPS there) and Nimmo to No. 2 (1.140 there). They’ve certainly played like All-Stars since.
Mets backup catcher Luis Torrens for $100K is the buy of the year. OMG!
With $3M left on Phil Maton’s deal, he cost the Mets $6M counting the 110 percent tax. So they’re buyers — for now.
Seth Lugo and Paul Skenes should start the All-Star Game.
