Juan Soto will possibly be the most sought-after free agent next offseason. Last December saw the Japanese superstar Shohei Ohtani break the free agent signing record with a massive $700 million contract. Since the Los Angeles Dodgers got the ‘Unicorn’ for such a massive deal, fans have been calling them the ‘New Evil Empire.’ But what about the original ‘Evil Empire?’ That’s where the Dominican superstar is currently playing. Clearly, the potentially biggest free agent next offseason is having a great time wearing the pinstripe uniform. He is very close to having his career-best season this year.
Moreover, the chemistry with the Yankees captain, Aaron Judge, is paying dividends for the franchise. The Judge-Soto duo is enjoying a historic season together. Both are having an MVP-level season. Moreover, Judge is the favorite to win the AL MVP again this year. On the other hand, Juan Soto can win another World Series this year if things go right. But the fans in the Bronx wonder if it will be Soto’s only season wearing the iconic pinstripe uniform.
Two Teams Can Bid Over $600 Million For Juan Soto’s Next Free Agency
Zach Pressnell of FanSided reported that the two New York teams can offer Juan Soto a whopping $600 million deal at the end of the 2024 season. It seems like there won’t be any in-season signing for the Dominican slugger. Hence, he will be the biggest free agent this year. Moreover, in his debut season with the Yankees, the 2020 NL Batting Champion has been averaging .291, 98 RBIs, with a .420 on-base percentage. Also, he has hit 38 home runs in 2024, which is his career best. Now, any team would be lucky to have this superstar outfielder on their roster. But if Pressnell is correct, then the Dominican slugger’s contract would be one of the best in North American sports. He could rival the massive deal of Shohei Ohtani’s 10-year contract.
Soto might not get the offer for a $700 million deal, but the present-day value of Ohtani’s contract can be surpassable. According to MLB’s calculations, owing to heavy salary deferrals, Ohtani’s $700 million deal has a present-day value of $460 million. Then, the Yankees or the Mets can offer a bigger deal than Ohtani to Soto. As per the contract, Ohtani will receive most of his contract money starting in 2034. But the NY Yankees and the NY Mets can offer a contract where Juan Soto will have a higher average annual value and the competitive balance tax won’t have to be discounted for payments in the future.
Giants Can Steal Away The Outfielder From Yankees
Although the Yankees and the Mets are the favorites to sign Soto for the long term, there are more suitors waiting for their chance to get into the bidding war. Moreover, Mark Feinsand, an MLB insider, noted that the San Francisco Giants are another option for the Dominican slugger. As per the insider, the Los Angeles Dodgers might not show much interest in Juan Soto.
The LA side invested over a billion dollars to sign Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto last offseason. Moreover, Feinsand wrote via MLB.com that the SF Giants are “Looking to reel in the big fish. They have been after Soto for the last two years.” Hence, the insider expects the Giants to get into the bidding war. After all, the SF side wants to improve their roster.
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