Looking at Juan Soto this year with the New York Yankees makes fans wonder where he will go next year. He will be the biggest free agent next offseason. Since the Dominican slugger is having an MVP-level season this year, a question arises: “Who wouldn’t want him?” However, the Bronx Bombers have waited a long time to have a superstar duo in their offense. The last time they had one was when Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez used to don the Pinstripe uniform. But now they have the Aaron Judge-Juan Soto combination. So far, it has not even been an entire single season, but the Judge-Soto duo is already proving to be one of the best Yankees duos of all time.
They are already drawing comparisons with great duos of the past, like Babe Ruth-Lou Gehrig and Roger Mantis-Mickey Mantle. Now, if the Judge-Soto duo manages to win the World Series or even make it to one, will the Yankees not go all-in for the Dominican superstar? However, Hal Steinbrenner has made it perfectly clear that their payroll is “Not sustainable” to make a big offer to Soto. As per his agent Scott Boras, Soto’s asking price would be around $500 million. If it’s not the Yankees, who can land the next big free agent?
Who’ll Sign A Long-Term Contract With Juan Soto Next Offseason?
![Yankees, Aaron Judge, Juan Soto](https://i0.wp.com/sportsnewsinternational.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Yankees-15.jpg?resize=1024%2C576&ssl=1)
As per recent reports, the NY Yankees might fall a bit short on their “Not sustainable” payroll to offer a contract extension to the Dominican slugger. If Juan Soto demands a $500 million contract, it might be too expensive for the Bronx Bombers. In 2022, they signed Aaron Judge, who was back then the biggest free agent, with a contract extension worth $360 million over nine years. But then, in 2023, the Los Angeles Dodgers signed the “Unicorn” Shohei Ohtani for a ten-year deal worth $700 million. It was last year when the “New Evil Empire” signed the two-way superstar for a record-breaking contract. Apparently, Scott Boras and Juan Soto are also looking to sign a record-breaking deal next offseason. That makes the Dodgers a perfect destination for the Dominican superstar. Moreover, during the recently concluded All-Star Game, Soto expressed his desire to play alongside Ohtani in the future.
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Was that a hint for where he wants to go next year? Then, obviously, the NY Mets are the top prospect to sign the Dominican superstar. Clearly, the Mets have a better payroll situation than their city rivals and are in desperate needs to add a superstar hitter alongside Pete Alonso. Then, Alonso and Soto can form one of the best duos in the league. Recently, on the Boomer & Gio podcast, Boomer Esiason mentioned that the Mets should figure out a way to land Soto on their roster. Esiason believes Soto will “Want a $45-50 million per year deal.” On the other hand, Alonso might demand over $30 million.
The Dominican Slugger Shines With A 4-hit Performance
![Juan Soto, Yankees](https://i0.wp.com/sportsnewsinternational.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Juan-Soto-1.jpg?resize=1024%2C576&ssl=1)
On Friday, Juan Soto had a 4-hit performance that helped the Yankees beat the Tampa Bay Rays 6-1 at the Yankee Stadium. During his second double to deep left center, the next big free agent sprinted home reminded the fans a scene from a little league game. It really delighted the fans in the Bronx. Soto’s sprint transformed into different runs in Game 1 of the series.
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He hit another double in the sixth inning that set the stage for his partner in baseball crime. Aaron Judge hit a game-winning single. It proved again why Soto is such a crucial offensive player. Clearly, the fans in New York love the Dominican superstar. Now, it will be interesting to see if he stays there for a longer term.
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