The New York Mets might be caught in a strategic game of leverage designed by agent Scott Boras. In a recent podcast conversation, radio host Evan Roberts expressed his concerns regarding the ongoing trade rumors around Juan Soto. According to Roberts, Boras could be using the Mets, along with other teams like the Boston Red Sox, to apply pressure on the New York Yankees and their owner, Hal Steinbrenner, in the race for Soto’s future. 

Roberts believes Soto is pushing for the biggest possible contract. So, by utilizing the Mets’ interest as serious contenders, Boras could be waiting for Steinbrenner to offer a massive deal to ensure Juan Soto doesn’t land with any other team. Roberts also pointed out how this tactic, involving strategic leaks to heighten competition, is something Boras has used before.

Radio host speculates leaks from Juan Soto’s agent himself

Evan Roberts didn’t hold back during his exchange on the ‘WFAN on SNY’ podcast. “My honest perception is that I think the Mets are being used. And it scares me. Because I think Scott Boras is leaking all this stuff out,” Roberts claimed, revealing his suspicion. The idea, according to him, is to manipulate the media and public perception, which would also force the Yankees into a position where they could feel compelled to offer Juan Soto a huge contract. Furthermore, Roberts offered his take on what might be happening behind the scenes. “I think Juan Soto has probably told Scott Boras that he wants to stay with the New York Yankees,” he explained. 

“But here’s the thing—he’s telling Scott now, ‘Get me the most money.’ Roberts said. He suggested that Soto, while leaning toward staying with the Yankees, could be playing the long game—this is where the Mets and other teams come in. “I think putting the Mets over, I think the leaks have portrayed it, is trying to apply pressure on Hal Steinbrenner,” Roberts argued. According to him, the idea is to make Steinbrenner feel like he has to respond. After all, other teams have also been linked to his acquisition, and this isn’t the first time Boras has allegedly tried this technique.

Past incidents similar to major players 

Evan Roberts also suggested that the Red Sox is a team that hasn’t spent big on a major player in years; the crew is being “propped up” in the media as a potential suitor for Soto for the same reason. “The Red Sox, who haven’t spent big money on anybody in years, are now being made out to be a major threat for Juan Soto?” Roberts asked. “That’s another way to apply pressure on Hal.” He believes that Boras, by leaking information about Soto’s supposed interest from the Red Sox, might be further intensifying the bidding war to drive up Soto’s price. 

This isn’t a new move though; Yoshinobu Yamamoto was a hot commodity during his transition from Japan’s NPB to MLB. Teams like the Mets, Dodgers, and others were linked to him, with the Mets reportedly making a strong offer. However, there’s no evident information that Yamamoto utilized the Mets’ opening to simply get a higher deal from the Dodgers. The Dodgers were indeed one of the top suitors, and in the end, he did sign with them. 

As for Shohei Ohtani, the situation was similarly complex. Ohtani’s free agency was widely covered; the top contenders were the Dodgers, Blue Jays, and several other teams. Rumors about him even flying to Toronto had fueled plenty of headlines. Both players were highly sought after, and the Dodgers were always in the mix. Same could be said for Juan Soto as well.

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