JUAN SOTO & THE METS WERE VERY COZY IN CALIFORNIA

Soto in a Mets uniform even looks weird, Steve Cohen, calm down.

Mets owner Steve Cohen, clearly desperate to make Queens relevant for once, spearheaded a glitzy meeting with free-agent superstar Juan Soto in Orange County, Calif., on Saturday. As usual, Cohen assembled his entourage of top executives and rolled out what insiders have generously labeled an “elaborate” and “extremely detailed” pitch. Because nothing screams prestige like a desperate attempt to dazzle at an undisclosed location in Newport Beach.

Despite their most fervent wishes, the Mets still reek of that familiar “close, but not quite” energy. Reports suggest they’re “hopeful”—translation: clinging to the faintest shred of optimism that they’ll finally land a star capable of lifting them from perpetual mediocrity. Manager Carlos Mendoza reportedly joined Cohen in making a “strong impression,” which, knowing the Mets, probably involved over-the-top promises and Cohen’s signature checkbook theatrics.

While formal offers are still murky, the baseball world is certain that Soto’s contract will obliterate Shohei Ohtani’s record $700 million deal (which, let’s not forget, featured significant deferrals because not everyone can be the Yankees). Projections place Soto’s potential haul north of $600 million, without deferrals, because quality players don’t need layaway plans. Sure, Cohen’s wallet might be fat, but will it really be enough to lure the 26-year-old superstar to a team whose biggest claim to fame is “almost winning”?

Meanwhile, the Yankees are waiting in the wings, ready to host Soto on Monday. This is a team that knows how to get deals done—just ask Aaron Judge, who inked a nine-year, $360 million deal when Hal Steinbrenner decided to flex and match the Giants’ offer. In The Bronx, Soto already made waves with 41 home runs and a stellar .989 OPS, forming a powerhouse duo with Judge. Unlike the wannabe royalty in Queens, the Yankees don’t need to make elaborate displays; their history, prestige, and position as MLB’s top revenue-generating franchise speak volumes. Hal, GM Brian Cashman, and manager Aaron Boone are heading up Monday’s meeting, where Soto will be reminded why winning with pinstripes actually means something.

Sure, Cohen can throw money around—he’s done it before. The New York Post writes:

"Cohen is viewed as their biggest edge, as he’s shown a willingness to operate in the red and is believed to have done so the past couple seasons in an effort to bring a winner to Queens. Additionally, they have $150M coming off their books, which also doesn’t hurt. "

The Yankees, on the other hand, are simply waiting to remind Soto that the real New York team knows how to win, not just spend. The upcoming battle for the outfielder’s signature is shaping up to be a familiar tale: Cohen’s desperation versus Steinbrenner’s legacy. One side shouts with money, the other whispers with history. And if Soto wants to win, he knows exactly where the road to glory begins—and it’s not in Queens.