Juan Soto, the name on everyone’s mind to begin a fascinating Phillies offseason originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
It didn’t take after the final out of the World Series Wednesday night for Juan Soto to be asked about his upcoming free agency.
“I don’t know what’s the teams that are going to come after me,” Soto said to reporters after his Yankees lost to the Dodgers. “But definitely, I’ll be open to this and every single team. I don’t have any doors closed or anything like that. I’m gonna be available for all 30 teams.”
Agent Scott Boras had to be happy with that answer, but he and Soto have known for a while now that a contract surpassing $400 million is realistic and one approaching $500 million might be as well.
Soto just turned 26 on Saturday. He’s been a stud everyday player in the majors since 2018 yet is still younger than Bryson Stott and Brandon Marsh.
Soto’s Hall-of-Fame track, age and the idea that he may only be entering his prime will probably result in the second richest contract in baseball history, behind only Shohei Ohtani’s heavily deferred $700 million.
Phillies?
Don’t hold your breath.
Soto would be the perfect offensive addition to the Phils or any other contender, but that’s just it: The competition will be fierce. First and foremost, it would be a colossal failure for Yankees ownership and GM Brian Cashman to allow Soto to walk. A storied franchise with the financial means to sign or re-sign anyone would not only become much worse on the field but lose confidence from a fanbase that’s seen good teams fall short for 15 straight years.
Soto was the key figure in the Yankees’ one-year transformation from 82-80 to American League champion. He hit a career-high 41 home runs, had his best full season in the majors and then raked in all three rounds of the playoffs.
How could they possibly let him get away?
Adding to the drama is the looming threat of the Mets, who carried by far baseball’s largest payroll in 2024, an estimated $336 million. Not only do the Mets have the need and the wherewithal to sign Soto, it would also be a statement within New York that they, too, are sitting at the big boy table. Not just adding Soto but also hurting the Yankees? Has to be a pretty appealing thought for owner Steve Cohen.
The San Francisco Giants are another team to monitor. They’ve lost out on star hitters for years, from Bryce Harper to Aaron Judge. Can they afford to let another slip out of their grasp? The financial commitment might be more…