Juan Soto, at just 25 years old, has already established himself as one of the most electrifying players in the league. Meanwhile, the New York Yankees, eager to secure their cornerstone for the future, secured the generational talent via trade earlier this month. However, the outfielder is only viewed as a one-year rental piece for now.
Juan Soto had one year left on his active contract before the Padres decided to trade him to the Bronx. Moreover, the outfielder’s introductory press conference hinted at a possible move towards free agency at the end of the 2024 season. Having said that, in the current baseball landscape, where mega contracts are becoming increasingly common, speculations of Soto attaining a Shohei Ohtani-like contract are gaining momentum.
Can Juan Soto Match Up To Shohei Ohtani?
Shohei Ohtani made headlines with his groundbreaking free agency signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Earlier this month, the two-way sensation signed a record $700 million for 10 years with the Dodgers, with $680 million being deferred till the end of the contract. Now, the next big man about to enter free agency is Juan Soto. The 25-year-old already has three all-stars and one championship to his name. Thus, if he chooses to enter the free agent market by the end of 2024, which seems highly likely, Soto stands a chance to fetch a groundbreaking contract. Obviously, he doesn’t offer two-way services like Ohtani. But the outfielder seems already established as one of the best hitters in the league.
Having said that, realistically, Juan Soto cannot surpass Shohei Ohtani’s gigantic $700 million deal by any means. Because even Ohtani isn’t receiving that kind of money due to contract deferral. Regardless, Soto has the chance to earn a second-highest contract at the end of 2024. The most plausible deal is 15 years for $520 million. The big spenders, including the New York Yankees, would be onto Soto’s next free agency. If the outfielder does not intend to commit to such a long haul, the contract can be lowered to 13 years with possibly the same salary if Scott Boras maximizes his negotiation skills. While the money isn’t similar to Ohtani, Soto is the one to match the former’s hitting talent. He is way more durable and reliable than Ohtani. And most importantly, it is a much younger to two-way sensation.
Soto Keeping His Future Options Open!
Meanwhile, Juan Soto is yet to make up his mind with respect to his future with the New York Yankees. During his introductory press conference, the outfielder said the Yanks know whom to call, suggesting that doors of extension are still open. However, as a Scott Boras client, the possibility of the same is slime.
Scott Boras has historically advised his high-end clients to explore free agency in order to fetch an expensive contract. And Juan Soto has blind faith in his agent. Thus, as of today, Soto is most likely to become a free agent by the end of the 2024 season unless Hal Steinbrenner pulls out a masterstroke.
