Juan Soto’s approaching free agency is one of the major talking points in Major League Baseball this season, and recent insights hint at where he might end up. Jeff Passan released an article previewing MLB free agency this winter, with a significant focus on Soto’s situation. Passan indicates that most people believe Soto’s future will likely be decided between two teams: the New York Yankees and the New York Mets. The anticipated cost will be substantial. While the exact figure is not yet confirmed, Passan suggests that Soto’s contract will start at around $500 million, making it the second-largest deal in MLB history.
Although teams like the Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Angels, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Chicago Cubs could potentially afford Soto, they are seen as unlikely to sign him. Instead, Passan expects the competition to be primarily between the Yankees and Mets. This outcome aligns with expectations, especially after Shohei Ohtani’s $700 million contract with the Dodgers last winter, which set a high precedent for Soto’s potential deal.
Soto, who will turn 26 on October 25, is an exceptionally accomplished player. He is a four-time All-Star, two-time All-MLB first team selection, and four-time Silver Slugger Award winner, and he played a key role in the Washington Nationals’ 2019 World Series victory. Throughout his seven-year career, he has posted a .286/.422/.536 slash line, 197 home runs, 578 RBIs, an OPS of .958, and an OPS+ of 161. In his current season with the Yankees, Soto is having a standout year, with a .296/.427/.600 line, 37 home runs, 95 RBIs, a 1.027 OPS, and 109 walks against 91 strikeouts. His performance this season, excluding the shortened 2020 season, includes career highs in on-base percentage, slugging percentage, and OPS, and he has already surpassed his previous home run record of 35. The competition to sign Soto is likely to come down to the two New York teams, and his contract will probably be one of the largest in MLB history.
Be the first to comment