Juan Soto’s free agency continues to heat up, with multiple teams reportedly offering the star outfielder contracts exceeding $700 million. The New York Yankees, New York Mets, Boston Red Sox, and Toronto Blue Jays are among the frontrunners to land Soto.
While the Los Angeles Dodgers were initially interested in signing Soto, their pursuit seems to have cooled down as the market for his services has heated up. They are now reportedly focusing on other options, such as retaining Teoscar Hernández.
Dodgers Seemingly Out of Juan Soto Sweepstakes
Dodgers are reportedly close to re-signing Hernández. According to AM 570 LA Sports, the two sides are finalizing the details of a new contract.
Hernández was a key contributor to the 2024 World Series championship, hitting .272 with 33 home runs and 84 RBIs. His return would solidify the Dodgers’ outfield and provide additional firepower to an already potent lineup. With this deal seemingly in the books, it seems unlikely that they would also remain in the Soto Sweepstakes, especially with the money already dolled out to their other acquisitions.
The Toronto Blue Jays, who are known for their aggressive pursuit of top talent, are emerging as a strong contender. They are willing to spend big, as evidenced by their offer to Shohei Ohtani last offseason. But according to Vegas odds the Mets, Yankees, and Red Sox are leading the pack. The Mets have the best odds with +100, followed by the Yankees (+150) and Red Sox (+200), and the ever popular, “any other team” trails the Dodgers with a +900, which matches the Blue Jays odds.
The New York Yankees and Mets also remain in the mix, with the Mets, in particular, being viewed as a favorite due to owner Steve Cohen’s deep pockets and aggressive approach to free agency.
Soto is expected to make a decision during the Winter Meetings, which take place in Dallas from December 8th to 12th.
