It's no secret that Juan Soto has been instrumental in helping the New York Yankees reach the World Series for the first time since winning it all in 2009. Slashing .333/.439/.667 in 33 at-bats this postseason, Soto has been a nightmare for opposing pitchers to figure out in October.
While Soto has been an integral part of New York's success in 2024, there are plenty who are already wondering if the superstar who turns 26 on Oct. 25 (the same day as Game 1 of the 2024 World Series) will be a part of the long-term plans in the Bronx as well.
Soto was acquired from the San Diego Padres by the Yankees in a December deal, then avoided arbitration to ink a record-setting $31 million contract for the 2024 campaign. That deal marks the last contract before Soto can officially test the free-agent market, a test that will begin this offseason.
Estimates have Soto signing a long-term deal that will exceed more than $500 million this offseason. With the Yankees expected to try to keep Soto as part of their core past this season, there will be some tough decisions made in the Bronx about retaining Soto when the franchise is already scheduled to pay four players more than $27 million each, per Spotrac, next season.
Where could Soto land if the Yankees think his price tag might be too high? Here are three other teams where Soto could continue his MLB career.
New York Mets
Mets owner Steve Cohen came close to seeing his franchise back in the World Series this season, and it's no secret that he will spend to get the players he wants. The Mets have already been linked to a Soto pursuit this offseason, and it's not hard to see a bidding war across the New York boroughs break out for the outfielder's services.
If the Mets are unable to keep Pete Alonso this offseason, expect a full push to land Soto to keep the 2024 momentum moving forward.
Boston Red Sox
MLB insider Jeff Passan labeled the Red Sox as a "long shot" to land Soto this offseason, but the thought is still tantalizing to Boston fans. Land a generational superstar and put a dent in the rival Yankees' lineup at the same time? There are few Red Sox fans who would say no to that double play.
However, there is a reality to Soto actually landing in Boston. MLB.com's Mark Feinsand put it bluntly, "If Boston ownership was willing to pay that kind of money, Mookie Betts would still be there." Betts was traded from Boston to the Los Angeles Dodgers in a cost-cutting move and is in the middle of a 12-year, $365 million deal while helping the Dodgers reach the World Series.
Toronto Blue Jays
If you're looking for hope for Soto landing north of the border, a former teammate of Soto's (who asked to remain anonymous) has said the Blue Jays will make "an astronomical offer" to try to land Soto.
The Blue Jays were reportedly in the thick of the Shohei Ohtani sweepstakes last season, so it wouldn't be a surprise to see Toronto chase Soto as well. With Vladimir Guerrero Jr. slated to be a free agent after the 2025 campaign, the Blue Jays are going to need to decide where to spend their money and how many superstars they can afford on the roster. That decision could play a role in how far they chase Soto this offseason.
