After a crushing 4-1 World Series defeat, New York Yankees star Juan Soto is the top prioirity free agent across baseball as the Subway Series rival Mets plan to meet with the left fielder.

Yankees fans have already voiced their nervousness to retain Soto as Mets owner Steve Cohen prepares to try and lure the slugger from the Bronx to Queens next week.

Reports surfaced that Cohen could meet with Soto as early as the week following the report made on No. 7. While details of the meet’s contnts remain under wraps, the Mets owner is sweeting the proposition by traveling to Soto in Southern California and his agent Scott Boras, who is based in the area and also reprents top players like Bryce Harper, Gerrit Cole, and Mets star Pete Alonso.

Baseball analysts have confirmed that the Yankees, Mets, Dodgers, Blue Jays, Red Sox, Giants, and Rays have all made inquiries for signing the player. Boras said that the widely regarded top free agent isn’t rushing into his next contract and will be open to pitches from every team.

• New York Mets take step towards Juan Soto as Yankees make Pete Alonso contact
• New York Yankees face $36 million free agency dilemma as Juan Soto uncertainty continues

What was deemed to be a “thorough process” before making a decision, Soto isn’t ruling out the possibility of anything, inclduing a return to the Yankees. While the Soto sweepstakes could be one of the most anticipated signings of the year, Yankees fans aren’t haapy with the possibilty of an inner-city jersey swap next season.

“I feel like every team has the same opportunities when I go into free agency,” Soto said about the process. “I don’t want to say anyone has an advantage, because at the end of the day we’re gonna look at what they have and how much they want me.”

One MLB fan wrote, “There have been innumerable instances where I wanted to just stop being a Yankees fan because of all the pain it has brought me. Juan Soto going to the Mets would probably be the final nail in the coffin of my fandom.” Another baseball fan posted on X, “Steve Cohen and the Mets might actually do whatever they can to pry Soto away from the Yankees.”

Speaking to reporters, Boras said that Soto’s decision will involve careful consideration, personal meetings, and in-depth evaluations of each team’s commitment. “Due to the volume of interest and Juan’s desire to hear from teams, I can’t put a timeframe on when he will sign, but it’s going to be a very thorough process for him,” Boras said.

Soto’s market value is expected to be astronomical and reach the range of $600 to $700 million given his youth, power at the plate, and having one of the eyes at the plate in the game. He’s previously shown belief in betting on himself when he turned down a 15-year, $440 million offer from the Washington Nationals that would made made him the highest paid player in baseball.