Juan Soto, Yankees
Juan Soto flip his bat after belting a solo homer in the sixth inning of the Yankees’ loss. AP

The New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers, two of the most star studded teams in MLB, are pitted against one another in the 2024 World Series. Both the teams deserved to be where they are and currently, the seven-game series is being hardly fought.

However, Yankees-Dodgers rivalry is unlikely to stay limited to just the 2024 World Series. As per new rumours swirling around the market, both heavy weight teams could come face to face again in the upcoming off-season to fight for a 26-year-old generational talent, slated to shake up free agency with a record contract.

   

Dodgers To Give Yankees Run For Money In Juan Soto Pursuit

Juan Soto, Yankees
X.com

The fierce rivalry between the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers may intensify this offseason as both teams eye left-handed slugger Juan Soto, who is set to hit free agency after a stellar season in the Bronx. Soto’s left-handed power was crucial in balancing a heavily right-handed Yankees lineup, and his 41-home run season only bolstered his appeal across the league. With his contract expiring, Soto will be among the most sought-after free agents, igniting competition among high-paying clubs, including the Dodgers, who are eager to add another star to their already formidable roster. Soto, at 26, represents a generational talent and is primed to command a historic deal, potentially surpassing $500 million if structured without major deferments.

His agent, Scott Boras, is likely to seek an offer with high annual value and little deferred money, which could make the Dodgers an ideal landing spot. The Dodgers stunned the baseball world last offseason by landing Shohei Ohtani on a record-breaking $700 million contract, largely deferred, while still maintaining financial flexibility through deferments for other stars like Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman. Given their willingness to exceed the luxury tax, the Dodgers could outbid even the Yankees for Soto’s services. New York, however, is far from surrendering their star. The Yankees are expected to aggressively pursue Soto, valuing his power and ability to draw walks. Losing him would be a significant setback as they strive for another postseason run. Ultimately, while Soto’s future remains uncertain, the Bronx Bombers and Los Angeles Dodgers rivalry promises to heat up again as both teams aim to enhance their title chances.

Boras Spills Beans On Juan Soto’s Surprising Trade

Yankees Juan Soto, Hal Steinbrenner
Juan Soto, Hal Steinbrenner

Scott Boras’s recent comments shed new light on the circumstances that led to Juan Soto’s move from the San Diego Padres to the New York Yankees. According to Boras, the tragic death of Padres owner Peter Seidler was a pivotal factor in the trade. He added that Seidler had no intentions of letting Soto go.

Additionally, Boras shared how Seidler had been “knee-deep” in contract negotiations with Soto before his illness interrupted the talks. Seidler’s passing in November 2023 marked a significant shift for the Padres organization. Within weeks, Soto was traded to the Yankees, a move that, according to Boras, would have been unimaginable if Seidler had been in charge.

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