The New York Mets made the biggest splash of the offseason by signing Juan Soto to a record-setting 15-year, $765 million contract, which represents the largest deal in professional sports history.
The Mets had long coveted Soto and did everything they could to lure him away from their crosstown rival New York Yankees. They are now set up for long-term success, with Soto joining a talented core that includes Francisco Lindor and Mark Vientos, among others.
The Los Angeles Dodgers also attempted to sign the generational outfielder but fell short in the bidding. The club has already signed one of the top free-agent starting pitchers in Blake Snell and remains connected to some of the other big names still available.
Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes praised the Mets for their signing of Soto and believes the teams will cross paths in the playoffs again, via Jack Harris of the L.A. Times:
“As we do with everybody, we do our due diligence and make sure that nothing is assumed, as far as where guys are going to be. But yeah, they got a great player and now I’m assuming we’ll be battling the Mets for years to come.”
The Dodgers and Mets faced off during the 2024 National League Championship Series, which saw L.A. prevail in six games.
The Dodgers were considered the overwhelming favorite in the matchup, but the Mets still put up a good fight and showed why they have one of the brightest futures in the league.
It is fair to assume both teams will continue being active this offseason. The Dodgers are still in the mix for an outfielder and relief pitcher, while the Mets could look to re-sign Pete Alonso and add another starter.
Mets interested in Dodgers free agents
As the Mets attempt to upgrade their starting rotation, they have been linked to a pair of Dodgers free agents in Walker Buehler and Jack Flaherty.
Meanwhile, the Dodgers recently signed former Mets first-round draft pick Michael Conforto to a one-year, $17 million contract.
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