The New York Yankees would love to extend the contract of Juan Soto next offseason to a long-term deal. Since the addition of the Dominican slugger, the NY side has been enjoying a formidable offense. Moreover, the dynamic between the four-time Silver Slugger winner and the captain of the Bronx Bombers has been working miracles for the team. Apparently, the lefty superstar hitter is enjoying the best season of his career. However, it might seem that Aaron Judge has been overshadowing his partner in baseball crime with his dominant home run-hitting streak. But the Judge-Soto duo has been raising hopes in the Bronx of winning the World Series this year.
It might be their only chance of doing it together because Juan Soto might move elsewhere next offseason. Albeit the Yankees are the favorites to keep the Dominican superstar for the long term, there are a few more top suitors waiting for an opportunity to bid in case the NY side fails to extend his contract. Experts believe Soto will stay in New York, either with the Yankees or their crosstown rivals, the NY Mets. However, there is one more team that will possibly bid again for the biggest free agent next offseason.
Can The Blue Jays Land Juan Soto?
Last offseason, the Toronto Blue Jays gave a tough fight to the Los Angeles Dodgers for signing Shohei Ohtani. Eventually, the LA side proved that they are the new ‘Evil Empire’ in the league, signing the Unicorn for a record 10-year deal worth $700 million. Anyway, this year, the Blue Jays will have another chance to land a big fish in free agency. Can the Toronto side outbid the two New York franchises in the next free agency to sign a ‘Generational talent’ like Juan Soto? Clearly, his agent, Scott Boras, is planning to get him a massive deal. ESPN Analysts estimated that Soto might sign a 15-year contract worth around $500 million or $600 million.
Lately, Zachary D. Rymer of Bleacher Report listed Toronto Blue Jays as a surprising possible suitor for the Dominican slugger. Along with the Toronto side, he also named the defending champions, the Texas Rangers, Soto’s former team, the Washington Nationals and the San Francisco Giants as potential suitors for Soto as well. But Rymer believes Soto’s free agency will see a New York-based battle. Albeit Hal Steinbrenner made things look difficult for his franchise, saying, “Our payroll is not sustainable,” the Bleacher Report writer said, “They sure have earmarked money for Juan Soto.”
Yankees Wouldn’t Like To See The Dominican Slugger Joining Their Division Rivals
Juan Soto has been slashing .300/.400/.500 with 27 home runs so far in 2024. Never before did he have a season where he hit more than 29 homers. Now, he just needs two more hits to get there. And also, he’s just eight away from his career high 35. Clearly, he is having the time of his life in the pinstripes. The fans in the Bronx are loving him and making him feel at home with a huge Dominican diaspora.
However, if the Blue Jays manage to land Juan Soto next offseason, it would be heartbreaking for the division rivals. The Toronto side can shock the Bronx Bombers but they did bid for the two-way superstar last offseason. They came very close too. But can the ‘Original Evil Empire’ outbid the Blue Jays for the biggest free agent like the LA Dodgers did the last time?
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