UPDATE (Monday, Nov. 25, 9:25 p.m. PT): The Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Mets, New York Yankees and Toronto Blue Jays reportedly made Juan Soto contract offers.
Juan Soto is one of the best players to hit the free agent market in MLB history, and at just 26 years old, he’s going to have no shortage of suitors, which should lead to a historic contract.
The New York Yankees are hoping to re-sign the All-Star outfielder, but they face competition from the New York Mets, Los Angeles Dodgers, Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays and likely more unreported teams. All those clubs have already met with Soto, but the Mets are seemingly the favorite due to owner Steve Cohen’s deep pockets and willingness to spend.
Soto is taking his time before making this life-changing decision, and he’s hoping to build a strong relationship with the owner of whatever club he signs with. But after going through the process of meeting with teams, it seems he’s moving into the next phase of negotiations.
According to Buster Olney of ESPN, teams are expected to begin making their official contract offers to Soto this week:
Sources involved in the Juan Soto talks expect the teams will begin forwarding offers this week. To date, the process has been about Soto meeting with teams/club officials, and about those officials getting to know Soto.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) November 24, 2024
Forthcoming contract offers doesn’t necessarily mean Soto will sign this week, but it is an important step in the negotiations and allows him to counter and make changes as he sees fit.
However, there’s been a growing sentiment of late that he will sign with a team before or during the Winter Meetings in Dallas.
The start of this process should also give teams an idea of where they stand in discussions, and if they feel they’re out of the running, can move on to other free agents and trades. For example, Soto’s market is likely holding up Teoscar Hernández as the Dodgers, Yankees and Red Sox all seemingly view him as a fallback option if they miss out on Soto.
As for Soto’s decision, it has been reported he prefers to play on the East Coast, but others believe it will ultimately come down to the years and money on his contract.
Soto is expected to sign a long-term contract that is likely to reach or exceed $600 million in total value.
Juan Soto stats and accolades
In his one season with the Yankees in 2024, Soto hit .288/.419/.569 with 31 doubles, four triples and a career-high 41 home runs.
Soto finished in third place for the 2024 American League MVP Award after his first season with the New York Yankees. It represented Soto’s third time finishing within the top five of MVP voting.
In seven seasons thus far, Soto has five Silver Slugger Awards, one batting title and four All-Star Game selections.
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