Soto ready to cash in with the Yankees, Mets and Dodgers
Former Sports Business Agent likes the Dodgers chances to land Soto but also realizes why both NY teams can't afford to miss on signing him
For years, the Yankees and the Mets have competed in the offseason to secure big-name superstars. This winter is no exception as both teams eye the top free agent, Juan Soto. Reports indicate that Mets owner Steve Cohen is scheduled to meet with Soto and his agent, Scott Boras, as soon as Monday at his office in Southern California.
Determined not to be overshadowed, Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner, much like his father George, refuses to play second fiddle to the Mets and is committed to doing whatever it takes to retain Soto in pinstripes. He and his management team are anticipated to meet with the superstar and Boras this week.
Soto was super when it counted the most in his walk season
Juan Soto had an MVP-caliber year during his brief tenure with the Yankees, positioning him for a significant payday this offseason. The 26-year-old posted impressive statistics, crushing a career-high 41 home runs for the Bronx Bombers in 2024 and propelling the team to its first World Series appearance in 15 years.
Although Soto only played one season in the Bronx, his performance in 14 postseason games was remarkable. He achieved a .410 batting average with 16 hits out of 39 at-bats, including four home runs, nine RBIs, and 14 walks, contributing more significantly to the Yankees’ success than even their other star, Aaron Judge.
But while the attention has been focused on the Yankees and the Mets both Soto and Boras have made it very clear they are willing to talk to any team interested in the young star.
The path to Soto goes through Boras Orange County home base
According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the Yankees and New York Mets are the leading contenders for Soto in free agency, with his contract expected to start at $500 million. This valuation limits the field to a few teams, although Passan has mentioned that large-market teams such as the San Francisco Giants, Chicago Cubs, and Boston Red Sox are deemed unlikely to seriously compete for Soto.
However, roughly an hour’s drive from Boras’s Orange County offices lies Dodger Stadium, the home of the reigning World Champions. Reports suggest that Soto might be a better fit in Dodger blue, as opposed to pinstripes or the Mets’ blue and orange.
Carey thinks the Dodgers are in on Soto and it’s for real
Rant Sports inquired with retired sports business agent Frank Carey, a veteran with over 40 years of experience. He has negotiated deals for clients in the NBA, NHL, NFL, and Major League Baseball, about the teams most likely to sign Soto.
“Well, I can assure you that there’s no one quite like Scott Boras when it comes to spicing things up. The Yankees and Mets may be the ones in the spotlight, but I wouldn’t be surprised if the Dodgers and Giants are whispering in Scott’s ear, and perhaps the Blue Jays as well,” said Carey.
Carey appears optimistic about the Dodgers’ prospects. “Why would the Dodgers’ front office announce that right fielder Mookie Betts is returning to his preferred position at second base?” Carey pondered. “It seems they’re signaling to Soto and Boras that right field is available, and the prospect of Soto joining a lineup with Ohtani, Betts, and Freeman is indeed intriguing.”
Ohtani contract is set up for the Dodgers to afford Soto
Shohei Ohtani Dodgers deal is a 10-year, $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The deal’s structure is notably unique. Ohtani has agreed to defer $680 million of his salary, which means he will receive $2 million annually from the Dodgers during the contract period (2024-2033).
To Carey’s point, starting in 2034, he will receive $68 million annually until 2043. The structure of the deal aids the Dodgers in maintaining financial flexibility and staying below the Competitive Balance Tax threshold. This allows them to be strong contenders in the bidding for Soto as well.
While Carey is optimistic about the Dodgers, he also recognizes the impact that losing Soto to the West Coast would have on both New York teams.
In the end Boras will get Soto to the ream he wants most to play for
“Undoubtedly, the Ohtani deal structure benefits the Dodgers as it allows them to allocate the $600 million-plus required to secure Soto. The key question is whether the Yankees or Mets will escalate their offer to close to $700 million for Soto,” pondered Carey. “One final point is that Scott represents Juan, and ultimately, he always consults his clients on where they want to play. If Soto wants to play for the Yankees, his return to the Bronx is assured.”
A fun job might be counting the number of private planes that will be commuting to and from Orange County in the upcoming days. Yet as usual, the exact destination of Soto remains a mystery. It’s this brilliant strategy that has consistently proven to be not only successful but also profitable for Boras and his clientele.
