The New York Yankees acquired Juan Soto during the last offseason, knowing they might lose him to free agency with many teams vying for him. However, as the offseason nears, the level of competition might be less than anticipated.
Soto, who is 25, has consistently turned down the Yankees’ attempts to secure him with a contract extension this year. Represented by agent Scott Boras, he is intent on exploring the open market as one of the top players ever to enter MLB free agency.
At just 26 years old next season, Soto has already established himself as a perennial MVP contender, with his performance significantly improving in 2024. He has been an excellent addition to the Yankees’ lineup, complementing Aaron Judge, and his skills suggest strong potential for long-term success.
“In Soto’s case, the Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs and both Los Angeles teams could likely afford him but are long shots to make a real push. Seattle could use him but will be scared off by the money.”
Given this, Soto is expected to attract a strong market this offseason. Although several teams are rumored to be interested, it seems that some prominent clubs might not be heavily involved. ESPN’s senior MLB writer Jeff Passan recently previewed the 2025 free agency and noted that a few major-market teams may not be significant players in the bidding for Soto.
Soto is poised to become one of the highest-paid players in MLB history with his next contract, potentially spanning over 10 seasons and worth more than $500 million, with some estimates suggesting a $600 million deal.
If teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers, Boston Red Sox, and Chicago Cubs enter the bidding seriously, the competition for Soto could become more intense. Currently, the Yankees and New York Mets are seen as the top contenders for him.
Potential dark horse teams, such as the San Francisco Giants and Toronto Blue Jays, might also make a move. However, at this point, the general expectation is that Soto will sign with either the Yankees or the Mets.
