Even though the New York Mets are going through a great run currently, one can’t deny they’ve been underperformers for the past few years. One can even say that despite being a team with a sizeable fanbase, the Mets haven’t been as successful as one would’ve imagined. That has been one of the main reasons why despite huge money, they’ve found it difficult to attract superstars. And now that Juan Soto is getting ready to become a free agent, the Mets have a chance to rewrite their history by spoiling the New York Yankees’ party.

The 2023-24 offseason gave fans a classic Mets story. Steve Cohen did everything possible to attract Yoshinobu Yamamoto. That included flying to Japan to meet and having multiple dinners with the star. However, despite all of that he ended up choosing the Los Angeles Dodgers. However, the biggest issue was that the Mets had offered a contract similar to the $325 million Yamamoto ended up signing. And that is why a top analyst thinks that Steve Cohen might have to pay the Mets tax for Juan Soto.

What is a Mets Tax? It’s simply a way to attract players to the organization. Despite Steve Cohen having the deepest pockets in MLB, the New York Mets don’t have similar star power. They’re below the New York Yankees and Dodgers in marketability and success. Perhaps that’s why Steve Cohen will have to overpay for Soto – something he failed to do for Yamamoto. At least that’s what Casey Sterns said on the Foul Territory Show.

“Why the heck am I going to play for the Mets when I have no idea what my future is with that team,” Casey Sterns said. He was referring to any player’s perspective after seeing the Mets’ recent record. Then Sterns explained how the Mets will have to overpay for talent. 

“Like Yamamoto, going back to that remember he offered $320 – it’s not good enough. You might have to offer $420 to get somebody to come to the Mets instead of the Dodgers,” Sterns said. But that is something that isn’t a good strategy in the long term.

Juan Soto’s New York Yankees connection could force a Mets overpayment

Here’s the thing, the New York Yankees love Juan Soto. More importantly, Soto hasn’t given any hints of him not having the same feelings for the Bronx Bombers. On top of that the Yankees have money and the brand to challenge the New York Mets. The only advantage that the Mets have is Steve Cohen’s deep pockets. But will Cohen be willing to overspend to a ridiculous level to get his hands on Soto?

We’ve seen Cohen spending huge amounts on players like Mike Scherzer and Justin Verlander. But those expenses haven’t proven to be fruitful for him. Francisco Lindor – currently one of the highest-paid Mets players, is failing. And then comes their ever-mounting payroll and the taxes that come with it.

 Despite having a seemingly unending supply of money, one can’t expect Cohen to be okay with paying 110% tax on every expense. But maybe that is the only way to attract Soto. A rebuild can’t be done immediately, it takes time. And time is the one thing that they lack right now.