Sep 17, 2024; Seattle, Washington, USA; New York Yankees right fielder Juan Soto (22) celebrates with teammates in the dugout after hitting a two-run home run against the Seattle Mariners during the fourth inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
That sound you hear is the click-click-FWOOM of the hot stove turning on.
That's right, it's the MLB offseason, and everyone's eyes will be on the biggest name since that Shohei Ohtani guy to hit free agency: Juan Soto, who is just 26 years old and has proven he's one of the best hitters in all of baseball ever since he came up in 2018.
Now, as we witness his prime, some team is going to dole out A LOT of money to retain his services. There's a rumored seven teams in the running. So let's rank them by best fit for getting the outfielder on their squad:
7. Tampa Bay Rays
Jul 21, 2024; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees outfielder Juan Soto (22) and Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Amed Rosario (10) exchange words at the conclusion of a game at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-USA TODAY Sports
LOL. No. No way they can suddenly find like $700 million to hand this guy. Next.
6. Toronto Blue Jays
Aug 4, 2024; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees right fielder Juan Soto (22) beats the tag by Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Ernie Clement (28) at second base for a double during the eighth inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Does he really want to go north over staying in New York? I don't hate the idea of Soto being a good fit for this decently-stacked lineup, but I'm not buying.
5. San Francisco Giants
Jun 2, 2024; San Francisco, California, USA; New York Yankees right fielder Juan Soto (center) rounds the bases after hitting a home run against San Francisco Giants relief pitcher Camilo Doval (75) during the ninth inning at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
File them under: "They always make noise, you shouldn't underestimate them, but the talk is he wants to stay East Coast."
4. Boston Red Sox
Jul 27, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; New York Yankees left fielder Juan Soto (22) scores a run on second baseman Gleyber Torres (not pictured) RBI double against the Boston Red Sox during the tenth inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
Another one you can't count out. Maybe they're ready to hand out big contracts again?
3. Los Angeles Dodgers
New York Yankees outfielder Juan Soto (22) reacts after hitting a home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the third inning for game two of the 2024 MLB World Series at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Jul 24, 2024; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees right fielder Juan Soto (22) follows through on a solo home run against the New York Mets during the third inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
This is all about money. The team is exciting now, sure, but owner Steve Cohen might be ready to look at whatever the Yankees or Dodgers want to offer and best it.
1. New York Yankees
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 29: Juan Soto #22 of the New York Yankees reacts after striking out during the third inning of Game Four of the 2024 World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Yankee Stadium on October 29, 2024 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 776228355 ORIG FILE ID: 2181821851
They have to be the favorites. He went to the World Series with this team, the Yankees can pay him a lot of money ... it makes too much sense.
If the Mets reel in the big fish, they’ll operate somewhat more judiciously to fill out the roster. If the Mets miss out on Soto, their pivot could be a windfall for other highly touted free agents.
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