JUST IN: Yankees 25-years old superstar Predicted to massive Deal in Free Agency
The New York Yankees have been one of MLB’s top teams so far in 2024, with outfielder Juan Soto playing a significant role in their early success. Although the Yankees are paying him $31 million this season, Soto, a Scott Boras client, is expected to become a free agent in November. The question of what it will take to secure the 25-year-old’s signature this winter varies depending on whom you ask.
ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel surveyed 28 executives, agents, and insiders about Soto’s upcoming free agency, particularly focusing on the type of contract he might secure. The responses varied widely: three individuals anticipated he’d sign for under $400 million, while another three predicted he’d get over $600 million. The highest estimate among the 28 predictions was a 10-year deal worth $655 million.
While some players might think Soto is overrated, his statistics are compelling. Since his debut in 2018 at age 19, he has been a formidable presence at the plate, earning three All-Star selections, four Silver Slugger Awards, and a batting title, and he played a key role in the Washington Nationals’ 2019 World Series victory.
In his first 298 plate appearances with the Yankees in 2024, Soto is batting .316/.426/.594 with 17 home runs, 11 doubles, 53 RBIs, and 52 runs scored.
Many of Soto’s Contract Predictions Had a Common Theme
McDaniel shared detailed predictions from his discussions with various industry insiders. Eight believe Soto will secure a deal between $400 million and $499 million, while a significant 14 predict a contract between $500 million and $599 million.
Soto and his agent Scott Boras previously rejected a 15-year, $440 million extension from the Nationals in 2022, suggesting they are aiming higher. Shohei Ohtani’s contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, after considering deferrals, has a net present value of $460 million and an average annual value of $46 million. McDaniel noted that the insiders he surveyed expect Boras to strive for a contract surpassing these figures.
The median prediction for Soto’s contract was 13 years and $500 million, which aligns closely with Tim Britton of The Athletic’s December projection of 14 years and $540 million.
Which Teams Are Expected to Pursue Soto This Winter?
Soto has the potential to be a generational talent, making him a highly desirable addition to any team. However, only a few teams can realistically commit a half-billion dollars over the next decade or more.
According to McDaniel, “It’s still very early, of course, but the Yankees and Mets were by far the most common answer when discussing potential outcomes with our panel of baseball insiders. Beyond them, the Texas Rangers, Washington Nationals, San Francisco Giants, and Toronto Blue Jays were all brought up multiple times — but everyone else mentioned is seen as secondary to the New York clubs at this point.”
A potential bidding war between the Mets and Yankees has been anticipated for months, even before Soto played his first official game in pinstripes. Mets owner Steve Cohen and president of baseball operations David Stearns are expected to be very aggressive when Soto becomes a free agent. Although Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner aims to reduce the team’s payroll below $300 million soon, it is unlikely to hinder their pursuit of Soto.