Juan Soto, the impending free agency, who is delivering his career-best season with the New York Yankees, is expected to chase a free agency record next year. The Yanks have no grounds for a mid-season extension, as Scott Boras will take his client through the free market waters.
That being said, as a 25-year-old slugger who’s already achieved multiple All-Star selections and a World Championship, Juan Soto is likely to fetch a record-breaking long-term contract. And if Tim Britton of The Athletic is to be believed, Soto can even surpass Shohei Ohtani, given the loophole in the two-way sensation’s historic contract.
Juan Soto Could Earn $45 Million In AVV To Surpass Shohei Ohtani
Juan Soto, the New York Yankees’ newest superstar acquisition, could be on track to secure a record-breaking contract as he enters free agency in 2025. Soto, 25, is currently on his career-best run and has multiple All-Star tags and a World Series in his arsenal. The generational athlete could lead a Hall of Fame-worthy career in the long term. Hence, his cost will naturally be high. As per Tim Britton of The Athletic, Soto can surpass Shohei Ohtani to become the most expensive player in MLB’s history. Ohtani, a two-way sensation, recently inked a groundbreaking deal with the LA Dodgers for $700 million. However, he smartly decided to defer 97% of the salary to the end of his 10-year term.
Hence, factoring in inflation and deferrals, Shohei Ohtani’s AVV stands at $437.8 million. Meanwhile, Britton believes Juan Soto can exceed this if he manages to crack a 12-year, $450 million deal at $45 million AAV or a 14-year, $540 million deal at $40 million AAV. While the price tag is significantly high, the Yankees, Dodgers, and Mets are some of the clubs expected to pursue him heavily next year. Phillies and Red Sox are also in play, given how much money they manager to write off the books in the coming year. While it remains to be seen whether Soto will indeed surpass Ohtani’s deal, what is clear is that his next contract will be among the most lucrative in MLB history. For the Yankees, locking up Soto would solidify their offence for the next decade, ensuring they remain perennial contenders for multiple championships.
Why Yankees Should Be Wary Of Juan Soto’s Bidding War?
The New York Yankees wants Juan Soto to stay and the home fans made it very evident in the recent home stand. However, Hal Steinbrenner will be threatened by none other than Steve Cohen of the New York Mets. Both city rivals are tipped to fight all out for Soto, thus igniting a bidding war, which is bad new for Steinbrenner.
“Any time you’re potentially in a bidding war against Mets owner Steve Cohen, there’s a reason to be worried,” Mark Feinsand said. Additionally, Steve Cohen is not resistant to spend beyond his capacity, unlike Hal, who is protective of his ‘unsustainable’ payroll. Hence, its likely for Yankees to lose Juan Soto to Mets if immediate measures are not taken.
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