While teams wait for the 26-year-old to make a game-changing choice, Juan Soto’s free agency continues to dominate the rest of the market. Following meetings with the outfielder and his agent Scott Boras, many teams have reportedly already made bids for Soto.
MBL Network’s Jon Morosi verified a report from NJ.com’s Randy Miller that five organizations had made bids for Soto’s services during meetings with teams last week. The Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, New York Yankees, New York Mets, and Los Angeles Dodgers are some of those teams.
Soto may not make up his mind for some time, and those teams may send better offers in an attempt to outbid each other. Other teams can potentially come out with their own bids. According to reports, Soto may soon sign a deal worth more than $700 million. Deferred money, like the one Shohei Ohtani inked with the Dodgers in December 2023, might also be a part of it.
With 41 home runs and a.989 OPS, Soto had a stellar season with the New York Yankees last season. In order to stay in the Bronx, where he and Aaron Judge may form a potent team for some time to come, he might still re-up with the team.
Soto’s 2024 Performance Overview:
Juan Soto was a major contributor to the New York Yankees’ excellent season, which was exceptional. Among the top hitters in MLB, he recorded outstanding numbers, including 41 home runs, 109 RBIs, 128 runs, and a.288 batting average. Because of this, he is a top target for teams trying to add depth to their roster.
Soto-Interested Teams:
At least five teams have reportedly made offers to Soto, and the Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees, and others have taken notice of his free agency. Below is a summary of the top candidates:
1. The New York Yankees:
Why they’re a strong contender: Soto had a very successful first campaign with the Yankees. Given his chemistry with Aaron Judge in the lineup, the team is very keen to keep him on board. This offseason, the Yankees should free up more than $80 million in salary space, which will allow them to make a competitive offer MLB.COM.
Challenges: However, the organization has already agreed to pay Judge roughly $40 million a year, which may cause them to rethink how they would draft Soto’s contract. AMNEWYORK
2. The New York Mets:
Reasons for their threat The Mets pose a serious threat because of their wealth, which is a result of owner Steve Cohen. Given their great postseason hopes and Cohen’s willingness to spend heavily, the Mets are a serious candidate to sign Soto.AMNEWYORK
Challenges: Although the Mets team has financial obligations, Cohen has demonstrated that he is prepared to take risks in order to win MLB.COM.
Contract Projections and Financial Implications:
Soto is expected to have one of the most paid free agents in MLB history. Being one of the best hitters in the league and only 26 years old, Soto might be able to get a contract comparable to Shohei Ohtani’s record deal. A deal worth more than $500 million over ten years is conceivable, even though Soto is unlikely to equal Ohtani’s $700 million contract because of Ohtani’s special two-way status. MLB.COM and MLB Trade Rumor
Soto’s Desires:
According to reports, Soto’s top criteria in free agency are a team with a proven winning record and the best financial offer. Top-tier teams with championship aspirations, such as the Yankees, Mets, and Dodgers, have shown interest in the franchise. Soto is likely looking for a record-breaking deal, as evidenced by the presence of agent Scott Boras.
Conclusion:
With other elite teams already in talks, the bidding war is anticipated to heat up as the Juan Soto free agency drama continues. The main points of your piece will be to stress the money involved, the team’s interests, and Soto’s possible influence on whichever roster he joins.