Oct 29, 2024; New York, New York, USA; New York Yankees outfielder Juan Soto (22) doubles during the eighth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers in game four of the 2024 MLB World Series at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images The real intrigue started just nine minutes later.
Soto’s free agency — the most anticipated foray into the open market since Alex Rodriguez 24 years ago — officially began at midnight Thursday. When it ends is anybody’s guess, since Soto’s agent, Scott Boras, has never met a free agency he didn’t enjoy dragging out.
But eventually, a team is going to write a very large check (it’s going to start with “600,” or maybe “700”) and land itself a generational talent who has a chance to not only make the Hall of Fame but end his career as one of the best players ever.
Soto, who turned 26 on Oct. 25, ranks among the top-25 hitters all-time through age 25 in home runs (201, tied for seventh with Albert Pujols and Mike Trout), WAR (17th at 36.4, per Baseball Reference), on-base percentage (20th at .421) and OPS+ (23rd at 160).
Of course, we don’t need to sit here and fill up one of Boras’ infamous binders for him. You know how good Juan Soto has been and how good he could be for the duration of his next contract. But who will win the Soto sweepstakes and get his services for the next 10 years or longer? Here’s our guess, ranked from most likely to least likely with a dark horse at the end.
NEW YORK YANKEES
The Yankees — who went 82-80 without Soto in 2023 — might need Soto more than anyone else. Sure, they could take the money Soto will require and dole it out to numerous other players who could shore up a top-heavy team, but do you trust Brian Cashman — the architect of this top-heavy team — to find the right secondary pieces? Owner Hal Steinbrenner is the polar opposite of his dad in almost every way, but he knows gate attractions and has paid to keep Aaron Judge and to lure Gerrit Cole. Now will he spend almost as much on Soto as he did on Judge and Cole?
NEW YORK METS
Steve Cohen is the owner of the New York Mets. credits: Gregory Fisher/Icon Sportswire | source: AP LOS ANGELES DODGERS
Oct 30, 2024; New York, New York, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts (30) celebrates after winning the 2024 MLB World Series against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES
Jun 27, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper (3) reacts after running to first against the Miami Marlins in the ninth inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports TORONTO BLUE JAYS
SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS
Oct 1, 2024; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco Giants president of baseball operations Buster Posey speaks with the media after an introductory press conference at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Robert Edwards-Imagn Images SAN DIEGO PADRES
Juan Soto reacts after being hit by a foul ball while batting during the seventh inning credits: Gregory Bull | source: AP WASHINGTON NATIONALS
Juan Soto started his career with the Washington Nationals. source: Getty Images With the Lerner family preparing to sell the team, the Nationals traded Soto to the Padres shortly after he turned down a 15-year, $440-million offer in 2022. But the Lerners pulled the team off the market, which means a reunion can’t be ruled out. The tandem of general manager Mike Rizzo and manager Dave Martinez remain fond of Soto, as does a fan base that welcomed him back with a standing ovation when the Yankees visited Washington D.C. in August. Might Soto pull a LeBron James, go back to where it all started and cement himself as the best player in franchise history?
