Generational star Juan Soto, who is also an impending free agent, is already gaining attention from MLB teams, and there are still several months to go for 2025 free agency. Soto remains in the midst of his career-best season with 37 home runs and 1.001 OPS. Hence, his payday will likely script history.
That being said, the New York Yankees and New York Mets were tipped to be favourite landing spots as Soto’s newly found love for the city could play an instrumental role in his ultimate decision. However, BetOnline odds suggested an unexpected suitor whose odds of signing Soto were greater than the Mets.
Will Phillies Make A Push For Juan Soto?
As speculation continues to swirl around the future of star outfielder Juan Soto, a new prediction has taken the baseball world by surprise. While many believed that Soto, who is set to become a free agent after the 2024 season, would end up with the New York Yankees or New York Mets, insiders now suggest that the Philadelphia Phillies could be the unexpected frontrunner to sign the coveted slugger. Soto, currently with the Yanks, is one of the most talented young players in MLB, boasting a career .291 batting average, a .419 on-base percentage, and a World Series title with the Washington Nationals in 2019. Hence, Soto is expected to demand a historic contract in free agency, potentially eclipsing the deals of Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge.
Despite the New York Yankees and Mets being seen as prime candidates due to their financial muscle, BetOnline’s latest predictions indicate that the Phillies are emerging as a dark horse in the race. The report suggested that if the Yanks fail to extend Soto, the generational star will probably land in Philadelphia with +500 odds and team up with MVP Bryce Harper. The next on the list were Boston Red Sox with +600 odds, followed by Cubs (+700), Blue Jays (+800), and Mets (+900). Notably, the Phillies will free up $24 million off their books, given the front office sacrifices Cy Young candidate Zack Wheeler. Not only that, the club has the fourth highest payroll in MLB at $246 million and can very well afford both Wheeler and Soto if the franchise is willing to ignore the luxury tax regulations and bear the tax penalties.
Yankee Fans Voices For Juan Soto’s Extension
Meanwhile, the New York Yankees are unwilling to let go of Juan Soto that easily after what he has achieved with just one season in the pinstripes. While a mid-season extension is unlikely, the Bronx Bombers will certainly be the front runner to sign Soto in free agency. That being said, ahead of the payday, the fans are playing their part.
Recently, on multiple occasions, Yankee fans have raised slogans to convince Juan Soto int staying with the New York Yankees. ‘Please Stay Soto’ ‘Resign Soto’ are some of the chants that have been constant at the Yankee Stadium. And these chants are only going to get louder as the Yanks nears the business end of things.
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