According to an ESPN report, the Yankees’ favorite sign a record-breaking contract of more than $600 million with the AL team.
Outfielder Juan Soto is the gem of this winter’s MLB free agency. Before choosing his next home, he is hearing sales pitches from a number of big-market teams after helping the New York Yankees win the World Series for the first time since 2009. Will general manager Brian Cashman be able to persuade Soto that it would be best to remain in the Bronx for the next ten or more years? How much money will it cost to keep the 26-year-old left-handed slugger if he can?
Estimates for contracts are now routinely exceeding $600 million. Tim Britton of The Athletic estimated that Soto’s next contract will cost $611 million and last 13 years. The outfielder’s stellar 2024 for the Bombers undoubtedly aided his cause. In 713 plate appearances, he hit.288/.419/.569 with 41 home runs, 109 RBI, and 128 runs scored. He was one of three contenders for the American League MVP Award, and Baseball-Reference rated his performance at 7.9 WAR, a new career high.
18 MLB executives and insiders were surveyed by ESPN’s Jesse Rogers to obtain their thoughts on a few scenarios that could occur this winter. Naturally, the first question was about Soto, with the most popular subjects being where and how much he would sign. Eleven out of eighteen respondents indicated he would sign a contract for more than $600 million, while twelve out of eighteen said it would be with the Yankees. The majority made a clear decision on both issues. Votes were also cast for the Toronto Blue Jays (two) and New York Mets (four).
One executive asked Rogers, “Do you think George Steinbrenner would allow one of the best players in the world to leave?” “I know the Dodgers are the new Yankees, but he’s in pinstripes now.” Another executive stated, “I think Brian Cashman will show ownership just how valuable he is to their lineup.” When considering Soto’s position on a team, it makes the most sense for him to remain in the Bronx. It will be interesting to observe, though, how difficult the Mets (or any other interested team) make the outfielder’s final choice.
