Juan Soto and Shohei Ohtani are two of the biggest stars in modern-day baseball. But the age is on the Dominican slugger’s side. After all, the new superstar of the New York Yankees is only 25 years old. He made his MLB debut at the age of 19. Since then, he has never looked back. Moreover, the Dominican superstar has already established himself as the best hitter in the sport. Currently, he is playing his sixth MLB season. Moreover, the best slugger in the league has already won a World Series with the Washington Nationals. On the other hand, Shohei Ohtani has yet to win his first World Series.
The Japanese sensation has not even reached the postseason even once with the Los Angeles Angels before signing the biggest contract in North American sports history with the LA Dodgers. But Ohtani is the modern-day Babe Ruth. He is a unicorn and a two-way superstar; hence, he is totally worthy of the huge $700 million deal. Despite the fact that Soto is not a two-way star like Ohtani, his impact on the game is unparalleled. The Dominican superstar will be a free agent after the 2024 season. What will be his asking price, anywhere close to the $700 million deal?
Perhaps Juan Soto Will Sign A Deal Close To The Ohtani’s Huge Contract In The Next Free Agency
Recently, one source told Brittany Ghiroli of The Athletic that Juan Soto has got “Big eyes.” As per the source, the Dominican superstar will go after the Annual Average Value that Shohei Ohtani has, but not with the deferrals. Previously, Brian Cashman had told the MLB Network that they knew this situation would arise when they went all-in to land Juan Soto. Moreover, the Yankees general manager mentioned that the odds are like it will be a one-year situation before Soto hits free agency. However, Cashman also mentioned that things can certainly change.
However, the odds so far have certainly been against any kind of change. Moreover, the general manager mentioned that Juan Soto is very close to hitting free agency. On top of that, Cashman said he does not see too many things stopping the Dominican superstar from becoming a free agent. In 2024, the best hitter in baseball entered only his sixth MLB season and is only 25 years of age. It is only possible if a player enters the big league at 19 and never looks back. Frequently, fans and experts adjudge Soto as an elite slugger in modern-day baseball.
Is It Possible For The Dominican Superstar To Match Ohtani’s Contract?
It does not matter whether a player is really the best slugger when compared to one who’s a prime hitter and a pitcher. Only the age is standing as a key factor for the teams willing to sign Soto to offer him something close to Ohtani’s huge deal. This offseason, Juan Soto will turn 26. Shohei Ohtani is 29 years old. Hence, it seems that teams will be looking to sign Juan Soto for a long-term deal.
Who knows, perhaps the Yankees will also be in the mix for sure to land Soto for a long-term deal if the 2024 season ends really well for the NY side. Moreover, Juan Soto is a client of Scott Boras, and as most of his clients, it is only natural to have a massive asking price. Only time can tell which handful of teams can match the massively high asking price of the Dominican slugger.
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