Who Can Afford Juan Soto’s $700M Contract Leap: Red Sox, Mets, or Giants?

Juan Soto’s transfer from the San Diego Padres to the Yankees stands out as one of the offseason’s most intriguing transactions, rivaled only by Shohei Ohtani’s move to the Los Angeles Dodgers. 

Nonetheless, Soto’s tenure as a member of the ‘Bronx Bombers’ may be brief, as he is anticipated to negotiate a new contract in 2025, one that is projected to be exceptionally high-priced.

Juan Soto’s $700M Contract Depends on Yankees’ Success

As reported by Baseball American, Juan Soto’s contract for the year 2025 could potentially amount to $700 million, a figure comparable only to Ohtani’s contract. 

However, the realization of this deal hinges on Soto’s performance with the Yankees. The team’s aspirations for a World Series victory, notably absent since 2009, also play a significant role.

Ultimately, Soto’s continued presence in the Bronx is contingent upon the collective performance of the team or his individual achievement of an MVP-caliber season. 

His ability to excel in the playoffs and elevate the team’s success will also be critical factors in determining his future with the franchise.

Potential Teams for Juan Soto Beyond Yankees

If this scenario unfolds, the management of the New York team would be obligated to retain Juan Soto, potentially extending his contract even beyond the duration of Shohei Ohtani’s own contract, possibly spanning up to 14 years. 

A stellar performance in the 2024 season would secure his continued presence in New York for the entirety of his career. 

Such an arrangement would see him remain with the team until reaching free agency at the age of 39, constituting a significant and potentially lucrative deal, at least in theory.

The New York Mets emerge as a viable alternative. 

Mets owner Steve Cohen has a reputation for substantial investment in players to compete against the Yankees. 

Should an agreement not materialize with the Yankees, Cohen would likely endeavor to secure a player of Soto’s caliber, although the future status of Pete Alonso, whose contract expires in 2025, would also factor into the decision-making process.

Similarly, the Toronto Blue Jays present an appealing prospect. Despite a relatively modest presence in recent seasons, the franchise is poised to retain Vladimir Guerrero Jr. in 2025 and could vie for Soto’s services should he enter free agency. 

The team’s financial standing and the positive dynamic between Guerrero and Soto may facilitate a move to Canada, potentially elevating the Blue Jays to prominence.

California’s market offers another enticing option, with the San Francisco Giants in particular in need of a marquee player like Soto to anchor their roster. 

Furthermore, the hitter-friendly environment of San Francisco’s park could be advantageous for left-handed hitters like Soto.Lastly, the Boston Red Sox represent an intriguing possibility. Acquiring a star player from their rivals, especially through significant investment, would be a compelling move for the team, particularly in light of recent underwhelming performances. Icons of the team, such as Rafael Devers and Pedro Martinez, have advocated for bolstering the lineup through such investments.