Can Juan Soto cross Shohei Ohtani’s value during free agency? 2 teams rumored to close in with $600 million
New York Yankees star right fielder Juan Soto is likely to hit free agency after the 2024 season, barring any extension being signed before it. The four-time All-Star was traded to the Yankees in December last year by the San Diego Padres.
Soto has been phenomenal for the Yankees this 2024 season, hitting 38 home runs and 98 RBIs while batting .291 with a .420 on-base percentage. Several teams are expected to pursue the Dominican outfielder in the winter.
The two most probable contenders for Soto are his current team, the New York Yankees, and the New York Mets, who last won a championship in 1986.
According to Fansided's Zach Pressnell, the Yankees and the Mets could offer Juan Soto a contract close to a whopping $600 million. If offered, Soto’s contract would be among the highest ever in sports, rivaling Japanese superstar Shohei Ohtani’s massive deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
In December 2023, Ohtani signed a 10-year, $700 million contract with the Dodgers. However, according to MLB's calculations, the present-day value of his contract is actually close to $460 million due to heavy salary deferrals.
Considering this, there are chances that Juan Soto's contract could exceed Ohtani's contract value. If Soto's contract has little to no deferred payments, then the competitive balance tax will be calculated without being discounted for future payments.
Soto's contract value will also be greater if he secures a shorter contract with a higher average annual value compared to Shohei Ohtani, who will receive most of his contract amount starting in 2034.
MLB insider suggests Giants could be possible contenders alongside the Yankees and Mets
MLB insider Mark Feinsand talked about other teams in the race for Juan Soto this week, along with the New York Yankees and New York Mets. He mentioned the San Francisco Giants as a possible option.
The Dodgers, who signed superstars Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto last offseason to lucrative deals, might not be interested in Soto, according to Feinsand.
“I don’t think the Dodgers will be in on Soto after signing Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto last year, but the Giants are still looking to reel in that big fish they have been seeking for two years, so I expect them to enter this fray,” he wrote (via MLB.com).
The Giants need to improve their roster and could make a big offer to try to sign Soto.
Who do you think will end up signing Juan Soto and bolstering their chances in the 2025 season? Let us know in the comments below.