The New York Yankees have advanced to the ALCS, setting up an exciting matchup between their powerful offense and the Cleveland Guardians’ elite bullpen. The Yankees are favored, largely due to the star power of Aaron Judge and Juan Soto in the middle of their lineup.
Soto’s time in New York has been a success, with him posting one of his best seasons to date, hitting .288/.419/.569, with 41 home runs and 109 RBIs over 576 at-bats. He’s now just four wins away from the World Series, a chance to further cement his rising legacy.
Soto is expected to finish third in the American League MVP race, behind Bobby Witt Jr. and his teammate (and likely winner), Aaron Judge. This sets up one of the most anticipated free-agent periods since last winter when Shohei Ohtani dominated the market.
Soto, represented by tough negotiator Scott Boras, is expected to command a massive contract. While the Yankees want him back, competition from teams like the New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies, and Toronto Blue Jays could push his price up significantly. The Los Angeles Dodgers are also keeping an eye on the situation, despite Soto not being available this offseason.
Speculation suggests that Soto’s new deal could reach around $600 million, but a recent prediction from Eli Ben-Porat of *Baseball America* estimates he could top Ohtani’s $700 million deal from last year. Ben-Porat believes Soto could sign with the Yankees for 15 years and $701 million, given his consistent performance and the Yankees’ determination to keep him after almost losing Judge in the past.
Ohtani’s contract was unique, as it covered both his pitching and hitting abilities, along with his global marketability. Soto, while a star, doesn’t have the same international profile as Ohtani. Additionally, Ohtani’s $700 million contract was heavily deferred, reducing its long-term value, while Soto would likely seek a deal paid upfront.
If Soto does sign a $701 million deal, it would surpass Ohtani’s contract but be spread over more years, with Soto being younger and offering a long-term return on investment. At 25, Soto’s deal could extend into his prime, making him a more attractive option for teams planning for the future. As MLB contracts continue to soar, Soto might be the player to break Ohtani’s record sooner than expected.
