The top free agent available is New York Yankees outfielder Juan Soto, who will sign a huge contract in free agency.
The Yankees are one of several teams interested in him, which will increase his value. There has been speculation that he may earn $700 million in free agency. However, former MLB catcher and pundit Erik Krazt of Foul Territory believes Soto will get a 14-year, $602 million contract.
“And, Juan Soto, 14 years, $602 million,” Kratz predicted.
$602 million over 14 years would result in an AAV of $43 million, falling shy of the record for the biggest yearly pay in MLB history. The Athletic reports that Soto’s agent, Scott Boras, is trying to beat the highest AAV record.
Soto batted.288 with 41 home runs and 109 RBIs in 157 games with the Yankees in 2024. In the playoffs, he batted.327 with four home runs and nine RBI.
Which Teams Are Interested in Soto?
The Yankees and New York Mets are considered the front-runners to sign Soto in free agency.
Along with Soto, the Toronto Blue Jays, Boston Red Sox, and Los Angeles Dodgers have all visited with Boras in California to negotiate a potential contract. There are other unknown teams interested in the sweepstakes, but Soto is expected to sign with the Yankees or Mets.
“It’s either the Yankees or the Mets,” an American League executive told MLB.com. “After spending a year with the Yankees, he is very familiar with them. And Steve Cohen has enough money to give him whatever he wants if he decides he wants him hard enough. It’s hard for me to picture Soto going somewhere else.”
However, one executive told MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand that winning is what is important. Although Soto wants to be paid, he understands he will be compensated regardless of where he signs.
“He’s going to commit to a team for at least a decade, so that’s not surprising,” an American League executive explained. “Even if the contract includes an opt-out clause, you’ll most likely be looking at the next four or five years. He’ll be compensated regardless of where he goes, but if he feels confident about his prospects of winning, it will make a tremendous difference.”
Soto won the World Series with the Washington Nationals in 2019.
Yankees Will Do Everything to Re-Sign Soto
The Yankees acquired Soto prior to the 2024 season, and he was an important member of their team.
Brian Cashman, the general manager, said he will do everything in his ability to re-sign Soto.
“I had a conversation with (agent) Scott Boras yesterday,” stated Cashman. “We have a strong interest in retaining him, and we will put our best foot forward. However, this will either result in us retaining him or signing him back. If we are unable to do so, we will be compelled to change our course. If we can’t, there are plenty of other players in the marketplace that can help this roster.”
The amount of money the Yankees intend to offer Soto is unknown. However, the talented outfielder might become baseball’s highest-paid player in 2025.
