Juan Soto’s upcoming free agency draws comparison to $700 million Shohei Ohtani

Juan Soto’s free agency will undoubtedly be chaotic as several MLB teams eye the superstar for the next contract signing.


Juan Soto’s upcoming free agency draws comparison to $700 million Shohei Ohtani

Juan Soto and Shohei Ohtani [Image Credit: Imago]

Soon after the World Series is over, the New York Yankees will have another race to chime into – Juan Soto‘s free agency. The superstar will be hitting the market after the 2024 season and several MLB teams have already emerged as strong competitors.

Among them, the New York Mets are one of the frontrunners, and it is expected that it’ll boil down to Mets and Yankees in the end. Several predictions on teams and contracts are being discussed throughout social media, but the most common prediction is somewhere around $500 million.

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Then again, many have said, including NY Yankees star Jazz Chisholm Jr., that Juan Soto should be given a contract of no less than $700 million. The only player to sign such a huge amount in MLB is Los Angeles Dodgers Shohei Ohtani.

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Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic said that although Soto may not surpass Ohtani’s deal in total amount, the Yanks star may beat him in AAV. Ohtani’s AAV is $70 million following his 10-year contract. However, he has the option to defer which can possibly bring it down to $45 million to $47 million, approximately.

Who knows where the number goes? But I do remember at one point… writing that Soto was going to be $500 million. And I got a whole host of comments,’ you’re crazy, he doesn’t pitch like (Shohei) Ohtani. There’s no way he’s getting as much.’ Well, guess what? He’s getting as much.

Ken Rosenthal said on Foul Territory

But Rosenthal believes, “Soto’s AAV is going to start with a five”. However, just like Ohtani, Soto will also be looking for a long-term contract which can change the whole scenario. Regardless, the asking price is predicted to start from no less than $500 million during free agency.

Yankees positive on keeping Juan Soto despite free agency rush

Amidst all the rumors and chase for Juan Soto, the New York Yankees are very positive about him staying in the Bronx. Pinstripes executive Brian Cashman noted how Soto has enjoyed playing with the Yankees and it’ll prove to be a decisive factor in his decision.

Juan Soto
Juan Soto [Image Credit: Imago]

While Cashman admits that it was a huge gamble to sign Juan Soto for 1-year $31 million, he proved his worth through performance records and boosting the team to the World Series. Cashman proudly said that with the Yanks, Soto has “had a hell of a run”.

He’s enjoyed it. He’s performed. He’s felt like he’s always been here, the way he’s acclimated himself. I think all boxes checked in terms of enjoying his time and liking the franchise.

Brian Cashman as per Jack Savage of Talk Sport.

When Juan Soto was asked what he thought about the “Re-sign Soto” chants from the Yankees fans during the regular season and in October, he said, “I don’t know. They have to talk to Cashman.”

Whether he stays with the Yankees or signs with another team, it has to wait until the end of the World Series. As the outfielder said himself, the focus is the Fall Classic and all the buzz around free agency will be addressed later.