Another Move? New York Yankees Star Juan Soto Says He Will Go To Whoever Offers The Most Money
For being just 25-years-old and one of baseball's best players, Juan Soto is decidedly well-traveled. Soto started his career with the Washington Nationals, winning a World Series in 2019.
But the Nationals sold off to save money, eventually dealing Soto to the San Diego Padres in 2022. After just a year and a half with the disappointing Padres, they too decided to save money and traded him to the New York Yankees in the 2023-2024 offseason.
Three teams since mid-2022 is a lot for any quality player, let alone a 25-year-old superstar. And if his recent comments are to be believed, he might join a fourth team after this season is over.
Soto's been exceptionally good to start his career in New York; through the first 52 games, he's hitting .312/.409/.535 with 13 home runs, good for a 176 wRC+. He's hitting the ball harder than he ever has, with an average exit velocity of 95.7mph compared to his career 92.3mph mark. His defense has also improved, putting him on pace to set a new career high in wins above replacement.
And he's looking to cash in.
Bob Nightengale of USA Today reported on Friday that Soto's open to anyone willing to make the highest bid. "We ain't closing the doors on anybody," Soto said, per Nightengale.
NEW YORK - Juan Soto of the New York Yankees hits a home run during a game against the Miami Marlins at Yankee Stadium on April 8. (Photo by New York Yankees/Getty Images)
Who Could Bid On Juan Soto?
The quote comes on the heels of the Yankees making their hopes for an extension clear, though owner Hal Steinbrenner then said he intends to cut salary significantly.
But the Yankees would have to be seen as the odds-on favorite to retain Soto, even if they aren't able to get an extension done. Clearly, Soto's taken well to the Bronx, and pairing him with Aaron Judge for the next 6 to 7 years automatically gives the Yankees one of the game's best offenses year in and year out.
They'll have competition though, from their crosstown rivals.
The Mets, with owner Steve Cohen, have the deepest pockets in the sport, and a ton of contracts coming off the books after the 2024 season. Harrison Bader, J.D. Martinez, Omar Narvaez, Brooks Raley, Adam Ottovino, Jake Diekman, Pete Alonso and Adrian Houser are free agents this offseason. Starling Marte and Sean Manaea hit free agency after 2025.
Their estimated payroll this season is $322 million; next year it's just $160 million. Juan Soto will get a lot of money this offseason, and the Mets have lots of it to spend.
The Cubs could also be interested; the Red Sox too. The San Francisco Giants have tried to get every major free agent in recent years, unsuccessfully. But they have money and an ever-present need for more offense. Even the Dodgers could throw financial caution to the wind and commit to a Betts-Ohtani-Soto core for the next decade.
One thing's for sure, Soto's agent, Scott Boras, won't have the same difficulty finding a fit for Soto that he did for Blake Snell, Jordan Montgomery, Matt Chapman or Cody Bellinger.