Juan Soto allegedly REJECTS Yankees’ $21.05 million qualifying offer amid Mets and Dodgers high-stake meetings

Juan Soto has apparently rejected NY Yankees' 1-year $21.05 million qualifying offer as high-stake free agency race continues.

Juan Soto allegedly REJECTS Yankees’ $21.05 million qualifying offer amid Mets and Dodgers high-stake meetings

Juan Soto [Image Credit: Total Pro Sports]

Superstar free agent Juan Soto has allegedly rejected New York Yankees one-year $21.05 million qualifying offer as per reports from MLB insider Jon Heyman. While it is yet to be confirmed via official channels, the news won’t come off as shocking to many.

Soto is set to mark a new boundary for deals with current calls at $600 million and rising. He is expected an AAV of $50 million at least as per reports on rumors on the ongoing free agency.

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No matter which team he ends up signing with, Soto has 15 or more years to offer. With his stellar 2024 run, many are expecting high results from the 26-year-old. He himself is looking for a contract of quite a few years with adequate financial security and a thirst for a Championship ring.

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Currently, top MLB teams are fighting over the outfielder, including – the NY Yankees, NY Mets, Boston Red Sox, LA Dodgers, Toronto Blue Jays, and apparently, Philadelphia Phillies too. While there may be hidden dark horses, these are the top competitors for now. Soto is scheduled to meet the LA Dodgers this week after meeting the Yankees on Monday.

Since last week, Juan Soto and his agent Scott Boras have been meeting with all the teams and their executives before putting pen to paper. An MLB insider reported that Soto is likely to sign the deal by Thanksgiving.

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However, no official update on this is available yet. In the last few get-togethers with the teams, no official signing amount was put on the table. They purely had a discussion based on what the team can offer to Soto for upcoming years. Money matters are to be made official later.

Mets’ Steve Cohen to top $50 million over any MLB teams in Juan Soto acquisition

While the NY Yankees, LA Dodgers, and Red Sox can prove to be a challenge for the Juan Soto acquisition race, the main threat seems to be the NY Mets. With owner Steve Cohen as the front-runner, they are confident in getting the deal done.

Juan Soto
Juan Soto [Image Credit: Larry Brown Sports]

Cohen is known for his deep pockets and his sheer will to get anybody and anything he feels will help the team in 2025 run. According to former MLB player Carlos Baerga, the Mets offered Soto $660 million. 

Furthermore, Yankees broadcaster Michael Kay reported that Steve Cohen is willing to put $50 million over any offer any MLB team makes for Juan Soto. He even believes the Yankees won’t be able to top $660 million for 15 years if the report is true.

Whether the Mets made such an offer is yet to be confirmed by the team or the player. Jon Heyman, on the other hand, stated that no offers were made yet. However, the acquisition race is set to end at one point, with the Yankees possibly getting the short end.

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No matter which team Soto ends up joining, the pinstripes will get a heavy backlash for it. Soto was one of the key figures the team even went to compete in the World Series in 15 years. He is even set to meet with the Dodgers this week.