Juan Soto is subject to a New York tug-of-war between the Yankees and the Mets as the 2024 World Series finalists look at Pete Alonso as a potential replacement.

Soto is one of the hottest free agents to hit the MLB market this offseason after helping the Yankees reach the World Series for the first time since 2009. However, he was unable to help the Yankees defeat the Los Angeles Dodgers, falling 4-1 in the series.

Immediately following Game 5, Soto expressed that he is open to all 30 MLB franchises – but according to the New York Post, it’s the Yankees and Mets who are leading the fight. The Mets are serious players for Soto and the interest has the Yankees looking at free agent Alonso, who could head in the opposite direction.

Retaining Soto is still the Yankees’ ideal conclusion, but they are checking out Alonso as a Plan B. The Mets reportedly offered Alonso just over $21 million to play for the team next season – but the 29-year-old is looking for a long-term contract.

For Soto, he wants to play on a team that has a shot at winning the World Series. “Leaving any place that is a winning team is always hard, and definitely this place was really special,” Soto said after the loss to the Dodgers. “It’s been a blast for me.

“I’ve been really happy. If I’m here or not, I’ve been really happy for the teammates that I have and the people that I get to know. This was a really special group, but at the end of the day, we will see what’s going to happen.”

Soto’s agent, Scott Boras, also clarified the MLB star’s position to ESPN. “Juan loves winning and winning organizations and a winning owner,” Boras said. “The geography part of it is that Juan and his loved ones are going to be comfortable.

Pete Alonso could be Soto's replacement

Pete Alonso could be Soto’s replacement ( 

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Getty Images)

“That’s what’s most important to him. And major league geography … Juan’s played on both: West Coast and East Coast. His main thing, the priority, is winning.”

Some MLB executives expect Soto to stay at the Yankees. One AL chief said the Mets would have to dig deep into their owner Steve Cohen’s pockets to tempt him away from hitting in front of Aaron Judge.

“He knows how we feel,” Yankees GM Brian Cashman said. “After the season, I had a chance to thank him for everything and told him we’d be in touch. Since that time, I’ve talked to Scott, as well. He’ll get a feel for the dance steps that Juan Soto wants and he’ll keep us in the loop.”