Mets rival joins Juan Soto chase, plans to meet with slugger

The pursuit of Juan Soto has begun, and a new team is in on the superstar slugger.
According to the New York Post’s Jon Heyman, the Phillies plan to meet with Soto, but they have not yet done so.
BUY MLB TICKETS: STUBHUB, VIVID SEATS, TICKETMASTER
Philadelphia presents the opportunity for Soto to reunite with former Washington Nationals stars Bryce Harper and Trea Turner.
Soto officially declined his qualifying offer on Tuesday after having met with the Mets and Yankees. The Dodgers, Blue Jays and Red Sox are also pursuing the outfielder.
This year with the Yankees, Soto earned his fourth All-Star nod and hit .288/.419/.569 over 157 games and had career highs in hits (156), run scored (128), home runs (41) and OPS+ (178).
Soto, 26, could create a bidding war between the Mets, Yankees, Phillies and Dodgers.
According to MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand, Soto and Boras were set to meet with Los Angeles on Tuesday.
Last offseason, the Mets and Dodgers competed to sign right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who ultimately landed with Los Angeles.
Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting us with a subscription.
Bridget Hyland may be reached at [email protected].