MLB: Juan Soto’s free agency attracts major league interest

WEB DESK: Juan Soto is entering free agency, a period when baseball players can negotiate contracts with any team in the Major League Baseball (MLB).

The 26-year-old outfielder is considered one of the best players in the sport currently, having recently helped the New York Yankees reach their first World Series since 2009

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His performance during the 2024 season included a .288 batting average, 41 home runs and 109 runs batted in (RBIs).

As Soto explores his options, the New York Yankees have hinted in hoping to retain him. However, how manager has grand plans for him.

Scott Boras indicated that Juan Soto is looking for better ownership groups, hinting that the outfielder might want to play for teams with better track record in tournaments with a “clear strategy” for winning championships.

The manager’s comment raised questions immediately within the MLB scene about whether New York Yankees owner will meet Juan Soto’s criteria.

Many within the sport are mulling whether New York Mets owner, Steve Cohen, was thinking of courting the player with a handsome offer. The Mets owner is known for investing heavily in promising players.

Some reports have hinted at offers to Soto reaching as high as $700 million! The figure represents one of largest contracts in the sport’s history.

The New York Mets owner previously pulled similar stunts, with spending around $500 million during the 2022 offseason to grab talents such as Justin Verlander and Kodai Senga.

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Boras also mentioned that Soto’s decision-making process will be “thorough”. The manager is being cautious, likely from past experiences where his clients may have faced issues due to delayed signings.

Other teams with the MLB expected to pursue Juan Soto include the Toronto Bley Jays, Los Angeles Dodgers, San Francisco Giants, and even the Boston Red Sox