Juan Soto in the New York Mets was all most could talk about just a week ago. And well, things did look like it for a bit. Steve Cohen, being the richest owner in MLB, was willing to pay big-time. And we know it’s a huge prerogative of Juan Soto to get the pay he deserves. Moreover, the 26-year-old has Scott Boras as an agent, so a high-paying deal is a given. However, things might not be as simple as it seems, and Soto might not land in Queens only with a big check.

Juan Soto, as you see, has always had a great rapport with his team owners. So this time too, he is looking to have one with the team he joins, possibly for the next 15 years. And while the meeting he had with the Mets did go splendidly, even the New York Yankees aced it. At least Hal Steinbrenner did! This isn’t great news for the New York Mets. But if they miss out on Soto, podcaster, Connor Rogers and Joe DeMayo have an alternate for them—Tyler O’Neill.

Cohen’s Plan B in case Juan Soto’s plan doesn’t pan

Mets fans don’t need to press the panic button yet if Juan Soto doesn’t end up in the Queens. According to podcasters Connor Rogers and Joe DeMayo, a great alternative is Tyler O’Neill. While Soto is the dream, the power and defensive skills that O’Neill brings to the table make him a solid backup plan for a team that wants to be competitive next season. Conner Rogers mentioned, “If you’re looking for maybe a more cost-effective guy that has 30-home-run power and some athleticism, O’Neill, I remember, was specifically an interesting corner outfield guy.” And even Joe DeMayo subscribed to this thought!

Joe DeMayo chimed in and said that Tyler O’Neill’s defensive game is maybe what the New York Mets need. “He can handle right field; he’s got a strong throwing arm, and that 30-plus home-run power,” Joe DeMayo explained. Plus, if Juan Soto doesn’t sign with them, then the Mets suddenly have all the freedom financially to reallocate their budget.

And if Soto doesn’t sign, the Mets suddenly have the freedom to reallocate their budget. “You’re not having $50 million tied into one player,” Joe DeMayo added. But sure, not getting Soto would pinch them, but having a Plan B doesn’t hurt. After all, they wouldn’t want to make the mistake the Blue Jays made in their pursuit of Ohtani.

Hernandez and Santander may be Soto alternatives!

While the Mets are laser-focused on getting Juan Soto, anything can happen. On the Rico Brogna podcast, Roberts suggested that the Mets have other alternatives if they do not land Soto. The two names he gave were Teoscar Hernandez and Anthony Santander. “What if they don’t sign Juan Soto? To me, there’s only two other outfield options that are borderline All-Star,” highlighting the two names.

Now Teoscar Hernandez is coming off a stellar World Series run with the Dodgers. He shined in the clutch moments and brings plenty of post-season experience. Roberts mentioned, “He’s not Soto, but he’d be a major upgrade in the outfield.” His power and defensive skills make him an interesting candidate. Next is Anthony Santander, who offers a switch-hitting edge and youth.

He smashed 44 home runs last season and earned both an All-Star nod and a Silver Slugger award. “I’m also hoping that Santander is going to build even more off of last year,” mentioned Roberts in the podcast. Well, the New York Mets seem to have plenty of fallback options for their 2025 roster in case things go south for them and Juan Soto. Do you think Soto will end up in the Mets or not? Let us know!