The New York Mets have made two blockbuster moves this offseason to potentially help them dethrone the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League. They could make one more to close the gap even more.
Robert signed a six-year, $50 million extension in 2020. He is due $15 million next season and has $20 million club options for 2026 and 2027. He could take over in center field for the Mets, leaving Brandon Nimmo, Jose Siri and Tyrone Taylor battling for the spot in left field. Robert is one of the best players in baseball when healthy, but durability has been an issue.
He played in just 100 games last season and struggled mightily. However, he is just one season removed from an All-Star season when he had 38 home runs and 20 steals. Playing for a winning team could ignite him to produce again if he can stay healthy. However, banking on his health is a risky play.
The Mets seemingly have a solid roster that is ready to compete for a World Series. Unfortunately, despite adding Soto, the gap between them and the Dodgers still seems large. A healthy Robert could be a key factor if the Mets have to face the Dodgers again in the postseason.
What’s No. 22 worth to Juan Soto? At least $92,000
The New York Mets’ newest all-star has proven he is an asset on the field, but on Thursday, he proved he has what it takes to be an all-star off, too.
Brett Baty didn’t exactly give Juan Soto the shirt off his back, but he did give him the number on it. And the superstar who will once again be wearing No. 22, turned around and gave Baty his dream car as a thank you for the gesture.
Soto recently hopped boroughs after a near-championship with the New York Yankees, who let him go in a blockbuster deal that made some New Yorkers very happy — and others quite angry.
The left fielder has been wearing No. 22 for the duration of his Major League Baseball career across multiple teams. Baty has been sporting it for the first three years of his career, according to MLB.com.
Baty will now be dressed in No. 7, the outlet reported.
Shortly after Soto signed with the Mets, the team’s special assistant Eduardo Brizuela asked Baty if he’d be willing to give up No. 22. “It’s just a number,” Baty replied, according to MLB.com.
Soto then texted Baty to let him know a gift would be coming.
As it happens, Baty was in need of a new car. According to MLB.com, friend and teammate Mark Vientos had been teasing Baty for still driving the same 2016 Toyota 4Runner he did in high school.
Soto learned that Baty had always had his eye on black-on-black SUV and dropped $92,000 to gift one to his fellow Met.
Baty was none the wiser until traveling secretary Edgar Suero asked him for his insurance information Wednesday. And Thursday morning, when Suero told Baty to meet him in the players’ parking lot, Baty spotted his new Chevrolet Tahoe, MLB.com reported.
In a video of the moment shared to Instagram, Baty is seen walking out of a Mets facility. When he spots the car and Soto, he says, “no you didn’t” with a smile.
After dapping each other up, Soto and Baty approached the car — a black-on-black Tahoe with “Thanks for #22” written in blue marker on the back windshield and a red bow on the hood.
“I told you I got you,” Soto appears to say to Baty after a hug. “A little gift … for the number.”
“It’s all yours!” Soto told Baty. “You can drive it and everything,” he said.
Baty was thrilled with the gift. “This is sick, bro,” he said.
Soto then reiterated his appreciation for No. 22.
“I really appreciate you for going out of your way. I wanted to give you something nice,” Soto said.
Baty then told Soto to “tell me how I look in the driver’s seat.”
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