Everything’s going great for Juan Soto in The Bronx as Soto is putting together yet another MVP-type season before adoring, often sellout crowds. But the question remains: Could he be a one-and-done Yankee?
Team owner Hal Steinbrenner has made clear their interest in keeping Soto long-term. Of course, there are no guarantees in free agency, especially when it comes to a “generational” talent who’s 25.
Just about every big-market team was in for the rare chance at a 25-year-old star — Japanese star Yoshinobu Yamamoto — last winter. So don’t think it’ll be only an intracity skirmish, though the Yankees and Mets are the early favorites from here.
Juan Soto will become a very rich man this offseason.Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Here are the likeliest landing spots (with actual odds):
1. Yankees
Soto seems to love it all, including the roll call. The comfort, tradition, location, endorsement potential and lineup mate Aaron Judge are even bigger pluses. They’ve signed two record deals, though Judge stayed for less than San Francisco or San Diego were talking. But with $200 million-plus already under contract for 2025, they will almost surely be in 110 percent tax territory again.
Odds: Even money
2. Mets
Steve Cohen provides their edge, and they’ve strategized to clear payroll via expiring contracts. But they might need to significantly outbid their crosstown rival.
Odds: 5-1
Hal Steinbrenner has said he would like to retain Juan Soto.Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
3. Dodgers
Are there limits?
Odds: 15-1
4. Giants
They showed interest in a Soto trade, and they’ve been trying to land a big positional star for years. Is a pitchers’ park a dealbreaker?
Odds: 20-1
Steve Cohen has shown that he’s willing to pay for elite talent.Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
5. Jays
They tried for Soto in trade and “owe” fans.
Odds: 25-1
6. Phillies
Owner John Middleton wants to win.
Odds: 30-1
7. Red Sox
They have a lot of loot left over, no?
Odds: 35-1
8. Cubs:
Not exactly big spenders.
Odds: 40-1
9. Nationals
Would be nice, but owner Mark Lerner doesn’t go for it like father Ted.
Odds: 50-1
10. Padres
Beloved late owner Peter Seidler, who wanted to win at all costs, was making a serious play for him last summer, as The Post reported. But unfortunately Soto’s probably beyond their budget now
Odds: 100-1
11. Field (sometimes called “mystery team”)
The Mariners could use offense and have loot. Anyone else seems like a stretch but no one predicted the Rangers and A-Rod.
Odds: 17-1
Source : nypost.com
