As MLB’s offseason kicks off, all eyes are on New York Yankees outfielder Juan Soto, the biggest name on the free agent market. After a successful debut season in the Bronx, Soto is expected to command a massive contract that could determine any franchise’s long-term future
Although the New York Yankees have historically been one of MLB’s biggest spenders, the competition for Juan Soto’s signature is fierce. The Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets are both serious contenders, with Mets owner Steve Cohen’s financial backing raising the stakes. Regardless, Yankee executives are fairly confident about their bid.
Yankee Executive Expects Juan Soto To Return To Bronx
Juan Soto’s free agency comes at a crucial time for the New York Yankees, who suffered a heartbreaking World Series defeat against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The team lost Game 5 after leading by five runs, resulting in a gentleman’s sweep that ended their championship dreams. Now, retaining Juan Soto is a priority, especially as Soto’s performance in 2024 was among the best in the league. He finished the season with a .288 batting average, 41 home runs, and 109 RBIs, while his improved defense contributed to an impressive 7.9 WAR, a career-high for the 26-year-old star. This exceptional showing put him in MVP contention, only falling short due to standout performances by teammate Aaron Judge and Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr.
Meanwhile, amid building competition, an anonymous Yankees executive recently made a bold statement regarding the team’s intent to retain Juan Soto, telling MLB insider Hector Gomez, “If it’s about money, you can be sure we won’t lose him in free agency.” While Yankee owner Hal Steinbrenner is known to be willing to spend, he may need to exceed previous limits to keep Soto, especially considering the Yankees will likely face luxury tax implications. That being said, if the Yankees succeed in re-signing Soto, it could shape the free agency market. Many players, including top starting pitchers like Corbin Burnes, Roki Sasaki, Blake Snell, Alex Bregman, and Pete Alonso, are likely waiting to see where Soto lands. His decision is expected to spark a ripple effect, setting the bar for contracts across the league. While Soto’s deal may not surpass Shohei Ohtani’s record-breaking contract, the outfielder is expected to surpass Judge’s current AAV.
Mets Proving Serious Contenders In Soto’s Free Agency
The New York Yankees face a formidable challenge in retaining Juan Soto, as the New York Mets, led by billionaire owner Steve Cohen, are emerging as serious contenders for the prized outfielder. At the heart of this competition is not just Cohen’s immense financial resources but also his close relationship with Soto’s agent, Scott Boras.
Known for his success in securing record-breaking deals for his clients, Boras has previously teamed up with Cohen to bring in top talent, fueling speculation that Soto may be next. Now, as Juan Soto hits the open market, rumors are swirling about a potential $600 million contract, which would make Soto one of the highest-paid players in MLB history.
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