MLB insider believes "Juan Soto warrants $600,000,000," using Miguel Cabrera comparison to highlight superstar free agent's value
The Juan Soto sweepstakes couldn't get any tighter, as the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox and the New York Mets are reportedly on the thick of signing the biggest free agent this offseason. Soto is set to fetch a hefty payday after playing a starring role in the Yankees' run to the World Series this year.
In the Casa de Klub podcast hosted by former Cy Young winner Corey Kluber, ESPN and MLB insider Jeff Passan described the prospect of Soto possibly gaining at least a $600 million contract.
"Juan Soto warrants $600,000,000," said Passan.
The pundit's main argument stems from the fact that Soto is leagues above his contemporaries in the game when it comes to his batting skills. Moreover, Kluber added that it's much more difficult to develop and hone batting skills now compared to pitching:
"Look at Juan Soto and his skills at the plate versus that of his contemporaries. He's so much better than everyone at that and bats are so important and so few and far between."
Passan also compared Soto with soon-to-be Hall of Famer Miguel Cabrera's skills at the plate.
"I think those same qualities apply in Juan Soto and I understand toward the end of his career whe he was approaching 40 years old, Miguel Cabrera wasn't quite the hitter that he was in his prime," he said.
"But when you look at the shared skills that Soto and Miggy have and you look at Miggy's success well into his 30s and understand that the plate discipline, knowledge, the study of pitchers, and the appreciation of absolutely owning that batters box tends to translate into mid and even late 30s success."
Juan Soto garners praise for careful free agency approach
In The Baseball Insiders podcast, MLB analyst Jessica Kleinschmidt praiswd the young superstar about being careful and smart approach regarfing his offseason meetings.
"I really respect the business side of how Soto is handling all of this. He’s not approaching free agency in the typical way. He’s more mature and introspective while still being a polarizing player. It’s hard to define him." - Kleinschmidt
Soto drew comparison with teammate and Yankee captain Aaron Judge. It can be recalled that Judge's free agency bonanza in 2022 was a slow burn, as the slugger took his time and explored his options before eventually re-signing with the Yankees.