As New York Yankees shortstop Juan Soto prepares to make his free agency decision, club owner Hal Steinbrenner is reportedly planning to visit the star.

Accordingly Mark W. Sanchez and Jon Heyman between New York PostSteinbrenner is expected to fly to Southern California to meet with Soto and agent Scott Boras in “about a week and a half.”

on thursday, New York Post mike cougar New York Mets owner Steve Cohen is also reportedly traveling to meet with the outfielder “next week.”

The Mets and Yankees aren’t the only teams that could be interested in the 26-year-old player. Heyman and Sanchez indicated Friday that the Toronto Blue Jays, Los Angeles Dodgers, San Francisco Giants, Boston Red Sox and Tampa Bay Rays have expressed interest in Soto. But the Yankees’ “biggest threat” will likely be Cohen’s team.

Soto and Steinbrenner met in July to discuss their experiences in his first year with the team ahead of the upcoming free agency period. Brendan Kuty From The Athletic.

“It’s always nice to see (an owner) come by to at least say hello, see how we’re doing, see what we have in mind,” Soto said of the meeting, according to Kuty. “It’s great to have an owner who really cares about the players.”

The four-time All-Star’s first season with the Bronx Bombers was undoubtedly a success. After being purchased in a blockbuster trade He hit .288 with 41 home runs and 109 RBIs in the 2024 season with the San Diego Padres in the 2023 offseason.

Soto also made a strong impression in the postseason, scoring four goals in 14 games and helping the Yankees earn a berth in the Fall Classic.

The Mets will likely make a strong push to add Soto to a roster that already includes four-time All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor and breakout third baseman Mark Vientos. Cohen also has a decision to make. free agent Slugger Pete Alonso, who hit a team-high 34 homers in 2024.

While Soto prepares to meet with Steinbrenner and Cohen, meetings with both owners could greatly influence his final decision.