Sal believes Juan Soto made it clear at his introductory press conference on Tuesday that he will be a one-year rental for the Yankees before taking things to free agency next winter.
Taking it a step further, Sal also believes the superstar outfielder has been dropping bread crumbs that suggest he wants to make Queens his long-term home.
"There's something about it," Sal said. "I don't know if it's that he played for the Nationals and got familiar with the Mets and the National League East. I feel like Soto actually wants to be a Met.
"I know that sounds crazy because when you think about the two franchises, I get it. Nobody is gonna deny the history and prestige of the Yankees. I'm not getting that sense from Soto. It's not desperation. Cohen for sure, and the most money for sure."
Pressed by BT what gave him that impression, Sal pointed out multiple instances over the years, including a video he filmed for MLB when he said he needed Derek Jeter's autograph, but had looked at a Mets jersey first.
"The first thing he did in that video was walk up to the Mets jersey and look at it," Sal said. "I think Juan Soto wants to be a Met! "One time when I was at a game, Mets/Nationals, we're walking out later, and there was a whole group...a whole section of Soto family members waiting for him. I don't know if they were in Mets stuff or what, but I always felt the connection with New York, but with Soto and the Mets.
"We always make it like the Yankees are the only team in town. There are a lot of people who prefer the Mets to the Yankees."
