Juan Soto, one of the finest emerging talents in MLB, is set to hit a career-shaping free agency in 2025. After debuting with the Washington Nationals, he was traded to the San Diego Padres before eventually joining hands with the New York Yankees earlier this off-season.
Irrespective of the New York Yankees’ postseason success, Juan Soto is more or less definite about hitting free agency. As a 25-year-old with a World Series ring, All-Star and slugging honours, Soto is destined to fetch a record breaking contract. And MLB insider Jeff Passan expects the generational talent to hit the unthinkable ceiling.
Can Juan Soto Beat Ohtani’s $700 Million Colossal Contract?
Juan Soto, one of the most exciting talents in MLB, is on the cusp of a historic free agency that could see him break records previously set by Shohei Ohtani. After an impressive season with the New York Yankees and his standout performance in the 2024 ALCS, Soto is now positioned as the hottest name in the free agency market, with many insiders predicting that his contract will surpass Ohtani’s monumental 10-year, $700 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Recently, MLB insider Jeff Passan, while speaking on the Dan Patrick Show, noted that Soto has the potential to “crush” Ohtani’s record, largely due to his age. Soto, who turns 26 just as the 2024 World Series kicks off, has the advantage of youth.
Hence, Jeff Passan highlighted that this allows for a longer-term deal, which could stretch up to 15 years, making it appealing to teams looking for long-term investments. While Ohtani’s salary was significantly deferred, lowering its present-day value, Soto’s deal is expected to be structured differently, with a higher annual payout. Passan believes that while breaking Ohtani’s $700 million mark may be slightly out of reach, Soto’s contract will still set new standards. “If we’re talking about just dollars today, then yes, Juan Soto is going to crush Shohei Ohtani, that I firmly believe,” Passan said. Having said that, Soto’s impending free agency has sparked interest beyond the Yankees. Teams like the Mets, Blue Jays, and Giants are also in the mix, with each franchise looking to bolster their lineup with a generational talent. Yet, the Yankees remain the frontrunners, particularly if they clinch the World Series.
Jazz Chisholm Demands $700 Million For Soto
Juan Soto’s ability to drive up his value was showcased during the New York Yankees’ postseason run, particularly in Game 5 of the ALCS, where his three-run homer helped secure a crucial victory. Moreover, Yankees stars like Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Giancarlo Stanton have publicly expressed their desire for Juan Soto to return to the Bronx.
Not only that, Jazz Chisholm went so far as to say that the New York Yankees should offer Soto a $700 million deal. Indeed, the enthusiasm from his teammates, combined with Soto’s elite offensive skills, puts immense pressure on the Yankees’ front office, led by general manager Brian Cashman, to re-sign the Dominican slugger next off-season.
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