Juan Soto will be the biggest free agent of the next offseason. Back-to-back three free agencies, including the next one, have seen three big names dominating the market. First, in 2022, it was the American League MVP, Aaron Judge, who was the biggest name in free agency. Eventually, he signed a nine-year deal worth $360 million with the New York Yankees. Later, in 2023, it was ‘Sho-Time.’ The two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani signed a record-breaking ten-year contract that’s worth $700 million with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Now, the question is which team will sign Juan Soto and for what cost.
Currently, the Dominican superstar has been enjoying his time with the New York Yankees. Last offseason, the Bronx Bombers signed him for a year. Everybody knew he was going to be a free agent next offseason. But the Yankees Faithful would want him to stay in the Bronx for the rest of his career. He had a great start with the NY side, winning the Player of the Month award for his performances in April. Moreover, his chemistry with the 2022 AL MVP, Aaron Judge, has been great so far. However, there is a good possibility that the Yankees might not be able to keep him after the following offseason.
Who Can Land Juan Soto?
The top two teams that are favourites to sign the Dominican superstar for the long term are the two New York sides – The Yankees and the Mets. A lot of clients of MLB’s most sought-after agent, Scott Boras, have signed with the Bronx Bombers in the past. Can Juan Soto be the next client of Boras to sign a long term deal with the Pinstripes? Only time will be able to answer that. Moreover, rumours suggest Steve Cohen’s Mets are looking to sign a big name from the free agent market. On top of that, the idea of pairing Soto with Pete Alonso might be a brilliant step. They can form the deadliest-hitting duo in the league. However, if neither of the two New York teams manages to land him, then there can be a few more suitors waiting for their chance.
Among them are the Texas Rangers and the San Francisco Giants. The Rangers are obviously the 2023 World Champions. However, they are rebuilding and would benefit greatly if they manage to land the best hitter in baseball. On the other hand, the Giants generally make brilliant strategic decisions, and they might be willing to invest in Soto for an impactful signing. Then, the former franchisee of Soto, the Washington Nationals, are also among the favourites to bid for him. Some rumours also suggest the Toronto Blue Jays as one of the favourites to bid for the Dominican superstar.
Why So Many Teams Want The Dominican Superstar?
Scott Boras says his client is a ‘Centurion.’ It means that he is one of the top 100 players to ever play baseball. Hence, any team that signs him, automatically increases their own value by a billion more dollars. Moreover, the superstar lefty slugger is only 25 years old. Hence, there will be teams willing to sign him for a long-term deal. Lately, an ESPN poll suggested that Juan Soto might sign a contract worth between $500 million and $600 million in the next free agency.
Previously, the Nationals offered Soto a contract extension worth $440 million for 15 years, but he turned it down because of very small deferrals. Even before turning 26, he has achieved so much, from winning a World Series to being a three-time All-Star. He has also been a four-time Silver Slugger winner as well as he has been the 2020 NL Batting champion.
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