The free agency saga has entered a critical phase as the 26-year-old superstar outfielder begins evaluating official offers from interested teams. After a stellar 2024 season with the New York Yankees, the big question remains: will Soto stay in the Bronx, or will he take his talents elsewhere?
Soto’s impact on the Yankees was monumental. The four-time All-Star and five-time Silver Slugger winner posted a .989 OPS with 41 home runs, 31 doubles, 109 RBIs, and 128 runs scored in 157 games. He finished third in the American League MVP voting and was instrumental in leading the Yankees to their first World Series appearance since 2009. In the postseason, Soto delivered even more, slashing .327/.469/.633 with four home runs, nine RBIs, and 12 runs scored over 14 games.
At just 26 years old, Soto’s combination of talent and youth makes him one of the most coveted free agents in baseball history. While his contract is expected to reach the $600 million range, some experts are predicting an even more substantial deal. Sportsnet’s Ben Nicholson-Smith recently forecasted on his “At The Letters” podcast that Soto will sign a 15-year, $675 million contract with the New York Mets on December 15.
Such a deal would rank among the largest in MLB history, second only to Shohei Ohtani’s $700 million contract last offseason. The Mets, backed by owner Steve Cohen’s deep pockets, have been linked to Soto for months, making this a highly anticipated bidding war. If Soto makes the jump from the Yankees to their cross-town rivals in Queens, it would create shockwaves across the baseball world.
However, the Yankees are not giving up without a fight. Reports indicate they have already increased their initial offer to retain the left-handed slugger. The competition between the Yankees and Mets marks the first major free-agent showdown between the two franchises since Cohen took over the Mets in 2020.
With the Winter Meetings approaching, the baseball world is eagerly awaiting Soto’s decision. Wherever he lands, his signing will undoubtedly shape the landscape of MLB for years to come.
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