Juan Soto came three wins away from his second World Series ring. So close, but no cigar.
Now a free agent, Soto, who is undoubtedly a top 5 player in the league and a generational talent, is expected to command upwards of $600M.
Soto posted the highest WAR of his career (7.9) with the Yankees across 2024. In 157 games played, Soto had a slash line of .288 / .419 / .569 / .989 with a 178 OPS+.
Defensively the then 25-year-old posted a .994 fielding percentage, which contributed to his top 5 MVP-vote getting season.
So, who will get the Juan?
The Soto Sweepstakes has unofficially come down to 4 teams: Yankees, Mets, Red Sox and Dodgers. It is notable to add that the Blue Jays have interest, but are not expected to compete against the four teams already listed.
The Dodgers are fresh off of beating Soto and his Yanks’ in the World Series, that right there makes for great leverage. Despite having high regards and interest in Soto though, the Dodgers are not expected to get into a bidding war unless his value decreases.
The Red Sox frankly have the ability for a short-term-ish deal, a possible max of 5-6 years. Meanwhile, Soto is expected to want an 8+ year deal. It’s worthy to note that Soto was impressed by Boston’s three hour pitch to him on why he should play at Fenway.
The Mets are expected to put in an offer up to $50 million more than anyone else. Steve Cohen wants Juan Soto, and he wants him bad. It is very likely that Soto stays in New York and just changes zip codes.
Finally you have the Yankees, the team that wants to retain Soto and make him a Yankee for the rest of his career. Owner Hal Steinbrenner said that the team has the ability to sign whoever they want this offseason, citing that money and cao space doesn’t seem to be a factor in inking names.
Likely it will come down to an offseason subway series free agent rivalry, which will be most entertaining to watch.
Undoubtedly though, the Yankees have everything to lose. Soto being one-and-done and going to a divisional rival or the team that just crushed them in the World Series would be the most embarrassing.
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