Free agent outfielder Juan Soto enters the frame where a table filled with microphones sits, ready for a press conference.
“This wasn’t an easy decision,” Soto says to the camera.
For weeks Mets and Yankees fans have been waiting to find out where the four-time All-Star would be headed in free agency. Were they about to find out via a video on social media?
“But after meeting with a team, it became clear where I wanted to be,” Soto continued.
The 26-year-old right fielder reaches under the table and pulls out a hat. At first, it’s hard to make out the logo. Is it the Yankees, the Mets or any of the other teams he’s been rumored to be interested in?
“That being said,” Soto says pulling the hat onto his head, the word “CELSIUS” coming into focus.
After taking a sip of the energy drink, Soto says, “What, you were expecting a different announcement?”
Yes! Baseball fans around the world have been waiting for weeks for Soto to sign with a team. They’ll have to wait a little while longer, but negotiations appear to be progressing.
Here’s what we know so far:
Soto has met with at least five teams: the Mets, Yankees, Blue Jays, Red Sox and Dodgers. And that’s it. There have been mixed reports regarding the nature of those meetings.
On Sunday, ESPN’s Buster Olney reported that those meetings were strictly about “getting to know Soto.” But NJ Advance Media’s Randy Miller contradicted that report on Monday after talking to a person with knowledge of the situation who said offers have been made.
The expectation is that Soto could make his decision during the Winter Meetings on Dec. 9-12, but even that hasn’t been substantiated. For now, all anyone can do is wait.
