Juan Soto is arguably the biggest hitter in the MLB at present. On the other hand, Soto wanted to play for the NY side apparently for a long time. But he played for the Washington Nationals for several seasons. He also won a World Series with the Nationals. Later, he turned down a $440 million contract and signed with the San Diego Padres. But now he will stay with the Yankees at least for a year. He will be a free agent at the end of the next season.
Moreover, Soto is worth $37 million for the next season. Now, the question the Yankees Faithful is wondering about is if their team can offer a long-term deal with Juan Soto. However, the Dominican slugger did not reveal much about his ideas for future contracts. But the $700 million deal of Shohei Ohtani can play a major role in determining Soto’s free agency value in 2024.
How Much Shohei Ohtani’s $700 Million Contract Has Set The Stage For The New Asking Price Of Juan Soto?
Clearly, Shohei Ohtani was the biggest free agent available this offseason. Moreover, it is understandable why the Unicorn’s value went north of $500 million. He’s the only two-way superstar available in the league. Even then, $700 million for ten years might sound a little too much. Anyhow, the next big name in the market was Juan Soto. However, he will be a free agent in 2024. Apparently, the Dominican will take center stage in the next off-season. But the Yankees might try to keep him on their roster before he hits the open market. However, it might get too expensive for the NY side to keep Juan Soto for the long term. Moreover, agent Scott Boras will ensure Soto signs with a team that offers him the best deal.
That’s why the Yankees are not the favorites to keep him. Juan Soto mentioned in his introductory Zoom call that the franchises know where to call about any contract stuff. Now, the Dodgers-Ohtani deal might play a big impact on Boras and Soto. Hence, Soto’s asking price might start from $437.8 million, as per Jon Heyman of The New York Post. Considering all the deferrals, the Players Association values Shohei Ohtani’s contract, which is similar to $437.8 million in ten years. Juan Soto turned down the National’s offer for 15 years worth a $440 million extension. That would make Soto’s annual salary $29.3 million “Only.”
The Dominican Slugger Has Been A Blessing In Disguise For The Yankees
Clearly, Juan Soto has been the superstar the New York Yankees have been looking for for a long time. Moreover, the 2023 season proved that the NY side is pretty weak at their offense. They had the second-worst batting average. Only the Oakland Athletics were worse than the Bronx Bombers. Moreover, the 27-time champions had a lack of superstars which is pretty unusual for their standards. They were heavily dependent on their captain, Aaron Judge.
As the 16th captain of the franchise’s history, he has been the only superstar available in their roster last season. Hence, the addition of Juan Soto is beneficial for the Yankees in every way. Currently, the Dominican slugger is making the Bronx Bombers look very strong in their outfield. Moreover, they are on top of the WAR list at present because of the former Padres superstar.
