Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner is said to remain steadfast in his interest in signing Juan Soto long term though the Yankees do seem to be convinced now it isnt happening in-season. Steinbrenner is the one who saved the Aaron Judge negotiations by stepping out to match the Giants $360 million, nine-year bid (turns out Steinbrenner was correct). Juan Soto could seek $600 million once he hits free agency. Charles Wenzelberg The organizational support to keep Soto may be even more solid (Brian Cashman and Co. gave up five pitchers for Soto). However, the stakes are higher as Soto five years younger than Judge will be seeking $500M plus, and likely even $600M. Sotos expected reticence to negotiate in-season stems from a preference not to distract from the season (plus, of course, the opportunity to choose.) Lets face it: No star of that caliber signs months from free agency. Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner seemingly remains interested in signing Juan Soto to a long-term contract. AP Pete Alonso already showed he knows how to negotiate. By saying publicly to The Posts Mike Puma (and perhaps Alex English Jersey others) hed consider doing the Home Run Derby if he made the All-Star team, MLB had little choice but to put him on the team. With Shohei Ohtani, Judge, Soto, Matt Olson and other big-time sluggers not participating, the Derby flat needed Alonso. More From Jon Heyman The two-time champion Alonso (who donates winnings to worthy causes) did MLB a favor, but also unwittingly decreased the chances for deserving Francisco Lindor and Brandon Nimmo to make the team. And by the way, do the Padres, now tied with the Mets for the final NL playoff spot, really need five All-Stars to one for the Mets? Credit Carlos Mendoza for moving Lindor to leadoff (.885 OPS there) and Nimmo to No. 2 (1.140 there). Theyve certainly played like All-Stars since. Francisco Lindor and Brandon Nimmo have played like All-Stars for the Mets. Corey Sipkin for the NY Post Mets backup catcher Luis Torrens for $100K is the buy of the year. OMG! With $3M left on Phil Matons deal, he cost the Mets $6M counting the 110 percent tax. So theyre buyers for now. Phil Maton has $3 million left on his deal. Corey Sipkin for the NY Post Seth Lugo and Paul Skenes should start the All-Star Game. Carmelo Anthony Jersey