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The tendering for Juan Soto of the New York Yankees begins after the World Series


The tendering for Juan Soto of the New York Yankees begins after the World Series

New York Yankees All-Star outfielder Juan Soto can become a free agent after the World Series.

If the Yankees don't renew his contract, Soto, who turns 26 on Oct. 25, will likely face a bidding war between multiple Major League Baseball teams.

Soto's current contract with New York is worth $31 million.

On December 11, 2023, slugger Shohei Ohtani signed a massive 10-year, $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Ohtani was 29 years old at the time and became the highest-paid player in MLB history.

Soto will be three years younger than Ohtani when he signs his next contract.

There is speculation that Soto's deal will land somewhere in the $600 million range for 10 years.

Or it could be that Soto eclipses Ohtani's agreement, making Soto the highest-paid player in history.

Given his age and incredible talent, several potential suitors could engage in a bidding war for Soto's services.

This veteran scout expects four MLB clubs to commit to signing Soto.

Represented by Boros Corporation, negotiations are likely to be lengthy and complicated as Soto may not sign a contract until after the new year.

Here, in no particular order, are the four teams this scout believes can enter the Soto Sweepstakes:

1. New York Yankees

The tandem of Aaron Judge and Juan Soto is being compared by analysts to former Yankees Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig.

Judge hit 58 home runs last season, while Soto hit 41 himself.

Judge and Soto have led the offense to a potential World Series berth.

Judge earns $40 million per year on the 9-year, $360 million contract he signed in 2023.

Gerrit Cole earns $36 million per year on the 9-year, $324 million contract he signed in 2020.

Carlos Rodon is making almost $28 million on the 6-year, $162 million contract he signed in 2023.

Giancarlo Stanton has three more years left on the 13-year contract he signed in 2015. In these three years he will receive $32 million, $29 million and $25 million.

The contracts for Judge, Cole, Rodon and Stanton could be a reason for the Yankees to limit their offer to Soto to an amount that isn't enough to sign the superstar outfielder.

Signing Soto may result in tying up personnel resources needed to maintain or even improve the team's current roster.

2. New York Mets

The Yankees' cross-town rival, the New York Mets, may have plans to sign Soto, who could be the final member of a squad that led the Mets to the National League Championship Series.

However, Mets slugger Pete Alonso is also leaving in free agency on a one-year, $20 million contract.

Alonso, 29, will receive a huge, long contract. He hit 37, 40 and 46 home runs before adding 34 long balls this season.

Mets owner Steve Cohen gave shortstop Francisco Lindor a 10-year, $341 million contract starting in 2022. Lindor makes $34.1 million per year.

Brandon Nimmo is taking home $20 million annually in his 8-year, $162 million contract he signed in 2022.

Edwin Diaz signed a five-year contract worth $102 million in 2023.

However, money may not be an issue for Cohen.

Cohen and his president of baseball operations, David Stearns, may feel that Juan Soto can keep the Mets in contention for many years to come. Especially if Alonso returns.

3. Los Angeles Dodgers

The Los Angeles Dodgers have never been afraid to bet on a superstar.

Imagine the further damage Soto can do to big league pitchers, already boasting a lineup that includes Ohtani, Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, Teoscar Hernandez, Will Smith and Max Muncy!

Hernandez and pitcher Jack Flaherty are pending free agents.

Ohtani's contract is the largest, but Betts signed a $365 million deal that doesn't expire until 2032.

Pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto has his own $325 million deal that expires in 2031.

Freddie Freeman will earn $27 million annually by 2027.

This year, Will Smith signed a $140 million contract that expires in 2033.

Money probably won't stop the Dodgers from signing Soto.

4.San Francisco Giants

In the recent past, the San Francisco Giants have bid on big stars, including both Judge and Soto.

With Buster Posey taking over baseball operations, Soto could consider the Giants for his next team.

The Giants' highest-paid player is Matt Chapman, who will receive a 6-year, $151 contract next season.

Jung Hoo Lee signed a 6-year, $113 million contract in 2024.

Pitcher Logan Webb has a $90 million contract through 2028 that he signed in 2024.

Blake Snell has a $30 million player option for next season that he may or may not exercise.

Pitchers Jordan Hicks and Robbie Ray also have long-term, expensive contracts.

With a current payroll just over $200 million, the San Francisco Giants could entice Juan Soto to come to San Francisco.

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