Mets Secure Juan Soto but Hint at Spending Limits for Future Stars
The New York Mets have spent the offseason flexing their financial muscle, and no move was bigger than landing superstar outfielder Juan Soto. With the help of owner Steve Cohen and president of baseball operations David Stearns, the Mets sealed a record-setting $765 million deal to bring the 26-year-old slugger to Queens.
Their aggressive approach didn’t stop there. The Mets re-signed starting pitcher Sean Manaea and locked in franchise cornerstone Pete Alonso for another season, solidifying their roster for 2025. However, with Alonso only under contract for one more year, speculation quickly arose about whether New York would pursue another high-profile first baseman—specifically, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who is set to hit free agency next offseason.
But Stearns recently pumped the brakes on that idea. Speaking on Pablo Torre Finds Out, he described Soto’s contract as a “one-time thing,” suggesting that another mega-deal, like the one Guerrero Jr. is expected to command, isn’t in the Mets’ plans.
“Regardless of how deep an organization’s pockets are, you can’t do multiple of these,” Stearns said. “In terms of these generational types of contracts, you probably have one shot to shoot.”
This statement signals a more disciplined approach to spending, a stark contrast to the Mets’ recent reputation as baseball’s biggest spenders. While Cohen’s wealth gives the team financial flexibility, Stearns appears focused on building a sustainable contender rather than committing to multiple $100 million-per-year contracts.
However, there’s always an X-factor—Cohen himself. The billionaire owner has already proven he’s willing to open his checkbook for the right player, and while Stearns runs day-to-day operations, Cohen still has the final say over payroll decisions.
For now, the Mets seem set on maintaining financial discipline. But if another superstar like Guerrero Jr. becomes available, will Cohen resist the temptation to go all-in once again? Time will tell.
