"Juan Soto is going to want an AAV higher than Shohei Ohtani" - Ex-Blue Jays GM lists factors affecting superstar free agent's decision
Juan Soto's agent Scott Boras won't stop searching until he gets a team willing to give the outfielder a higher average annual value than Shohei Ohtani, according to former Toronto Blue Jays GM JP Ricciardi.
Ohtani signed a 10-year, $700 million contract with the LA Dodgers last year. However, the two-way star will only be paid $2 million per year for the first 10 years (2024-2033). The remaining, $68 million per year for 10 years, is deferred to the next decade (2034-2043). That makes Ohtani's present contract value around $46 million per season.
Ricciardi, joining Rob Bradford on the "Baseball Isn't Boring" podcast, listed the factors affecting the superstar free agent's decision.
"He’s got Boras—that’s number one. Boras is going to want an AAV higher than Ohtani’s because, with him, it always comes down to money," Ricciardi said (34:25 onwards).
"At some point it comes down to whether you want to be a Yankee or you don’t want to be a Yankee," Ricciardi added. "How historical is he? Are Boston and New York important towns for him to play in? What’s his relevance in Toronto? I know Toronto isn’t currently built with a farm system that can contribute, but that comes and goes.
"The Red Sox are stocked right now, but in five years, they might not be. Over the course of his contract, all those things are going to come into play."
JP Ricciardi feels Red Sox are serious about Juan Soto
Over the last few years, the Red Sox have been relatively silent when it comes to landing blue chip free agents. However, this offseason, it seems the owners are ready to make a big splurge to land Juan Soto, the most prized free agent.
The Red Sox have reportedly made an offer close to $635 million for 12-14 years. On Thursday, Alex Speier of the Boston Globe reported that the club has asked for another meeting with the outfielder where they might ask for the final price from Scott Boras that could get the deal done.
If realized, Juan Soto will likely be the next most cherished face of the franchise since three-time World Series champion David Ortiz, also popularly known as "Big Papi" among the Boston fanbase.