It is no secret that Juan Soto has been instrumental in serving to the New York Yankees attain the World Collection for the primary time since successful all of it in 2009. Slashing .333/.439/.667 in 33 at-bats this postseason, Soto has been a nightmare for opposing pitchers to determine in October.
Whereas Soto has been an integral a part of New York’s success in 2024, there are loads who’re already questioning if the famous person who turns 26 on Oct. 25 (the identical day as Recreation 1 of the 2024 World Collection) will probably be part of the long-term plans within the Bronx as properly.
Soto was acquired from the San Diego Padres by the Yankees in a December deal, then averted arbitration to ink a record-setting $31 million contract for the 2024 marketing campaign. That deal marks the final contract earlier than Soto can formally check the free-agent market, a check that may start this offseason.
Estimates have Soto signing a long-term deal that may exceed greater than $500 million this offseason. With the Yankees anticipated to attempt to maintain Soto as a part of their core previous this season, there will probably be some robust selections made within the Bronx about retaining Soto when the franchise is already scheduled to pay 4 gamers greater than $27 million every, per Spotrac, subsequent season.
The place might Soto land if the Yankees assume his price ticket is perhaps too excessive? Listed here are three different groups the place Soto might proceed his MLB profession.
New York Mets
Mets proprietor Steve Cohen got here near seeing his franchise again within the World Collection this season, and it is no secret that he’ll spend to get the gamers he desires. The Mets have already been linked to a Soto pursuit this offseason, and it isn’t exhausting to see a bidding battle throughout the New York boroughs get away for the outfielder’s companies.
If the Mets are unable to maintain Pete Alonso this offseason, anticipate a full push to land Soto to maintain the 2024 momentum shifting ahead.
Boston Purple Sox
MLB insider Jeff Passan labeled the Red Sox as a “long shot” to land Soto this offseason, however the thought continues to be tantalizing to Boston followers. Land a generational famous person and put a dent within the rival Yankees’ lineup on the identical time? There are few Purple Sox followers who would say no to that double play.
Nevertheless, there’s a actuality to Soto really touchdown in Boston. MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand put it bluntly, “If Boston possession was prepared to pay that type of cash, Mookie Betts would nonetheless be there.” Betts was traded from Boston to the Los Angeles Dodgers in a cost-cutting transfer and is in the course of a 12-year, $365 million deal whereas serving to the Dodgers attain the World Collection.
Toronto Blue Jays
For those who’re searching for hope for Soto touchdown north of the border, a former teammate of Soto’s (who requested to stay nameless) has mentioned the Blue Jays will make “an astronomical offer” to attempt to land Soto.
The Blue Jays have been reportedly within the thick of the Shohei Ohtani sweepstakes final season, so it would not be a shock to see Toronto chase Soto as properly. With Vladimir Guerrero Jr. slated to be a free agent after the 2025 marketing campaign, the Blue Jays are going to wish to determine the place to spend their cash and what number of superstars they will afford on the roster. That call might play a job in how far they chase Soto this offseason.