MLB: Juan Soto’s ‘Betrayal’ Looms as Yankees and Dodgers Struggle to Convince the Slugger Amid a Third Option
Juan Soto’s free agency is nearing its conclusion, with reports indicating that his decision will be revealed in the coming days, likely following MLB’s Winter Meetings.
Soto played for the New York Yankees in 2024, helping them reach the World Series, where they were defeated in five games by the Los Angeles Dodgers. Both the Yankees and Dodgers have made strong pitches to secure Soto’s services, but with many teams eager to land the generational talent, even these two baseball powerhouses may struggle to win the race.
Soto’s Bidding Could Exceed $700 Million
Last December, Shohei Ohtani made history by agreeing to a 10-year, $700 million deal with the Dodgers, potentially sparking a bargaining conflict between players and MLB owners. Less than a year later, Soto is expected to surpass that amount, either by re-signing with the Yankees or joining the rival New York Mets.
According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, both the Mets and Yankees have reportedly offered Soto deals worth more than Ohtani’s contract, signaling their readiness to outbid other teams for the four-time All-Star slugger. Despite this, Heyman mentions that the Dodgers, Boston Red Sox, and Toronto Blue Jays are still in the mix, though their offers may not be as financially enticing.
Yankees’ Chance to Keep Soto
While some reports suggest the Yankees are not the top contenders to sign Soto, Heyman notes that Soto’s leadership and strong chemistry with AL MVP Aaron Judge could make a deal with the Yankees more feasible. These factors might play a crucial role in Soto’s decision.
Ultimately, whether Soto chooses the Yankees, Mets, or Dodgers, the team that lands him is likely to secure his prime years. At just 26 years old, Soto has already hit 201 home runs (including a career-high 41 in 2024), played in two World Series, and won one with the Washington Nationals in 2019. He has led the league in walks four times, earned five Silver Slugger awards, and finished in the top three of MVP voting twice.
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