Yankees’ Juan Soto doesn’t want stay long-term, host says | Here’s where he wants to sign

Something about Juan Soto’s introductory Zoom press conference with the Yankees gave WFAN’s Sal Licata, a devoted Mets fan, hope.

The way Soto answered questions regarding his future with the team — how non-committal he was — made Licata think that the three-time All-Star isn’t expecting to play in the Bronx beyond 2024. Instead, the station’s midday show host thinks Soto is aiming for Queens.

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“I don’t know if it’s that he played for the Nationals and got familiar with the Mets and the National League East,” Licata said, via Audacy. “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.”

Licata goes to great lengths to prove his point. He even refers to a video MLB posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Dec. 7 in which Soto asks for Yankees legend Derek Jeter’s autograph.

At first glance, this is a simple promotional video for the MLB Store, but a look back, à la the Zapruder film, shows Soto looking at a Mets jersey first — gasp!

“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!”

Licata probably should point to Soto’s stats in Citi Field rather than ginning up a theory over a meaningless video. In 33 games (137 plate appearances) in Flushing, the four-time Silver Slugger has a .339 batting average and a 1.165 OPS with 17 extra-base hits, including 11 home runs and 25 RBI.

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Manuel Gomez may be reached at mgomez@njadvancemedia.com.