MLB Rumors: Juan Soto to Be Pursued by Dodgers in Free Agency Amid Yankees, Mets Buzz

New York Yankees star Juan Soto could receive interest in free agency from his current opponent in the 2024 World Series.

According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Los Angeles Dodgers are interested in Soto and will attempt to sign him "if he's interested" in joining the organization.

Heyman also noted that the Yankees and New York Mets are viewed by "folks around baseball" as the "likely favorites" to sign the 26-year-old, with questions surrounding his desire to head out west once again if he were to consider the Dodgers.

Soto spent 2023 with the San Diego Padres before he was acquired by the Yankees in a blockbuster trade during the ensuing offseason.

Per Heyman, New York sees the Mets and potentially the Toronto Blue Jays as a "real threat" to lure Soto away but members of the organization "don't believe" he wants to return to California.

The four-time All-Star addressed his impending free agency prior to Game 1 of the Fall Classic, explaining that winning is most important when evaluating possible destinations.

"Definitely every player wants to be happy where they're at," Soto said, via David Lennon of Newsday (h/t CBS Sports' Dayn Perry). "And at the end of the day, whenever you win, you're going to be really happy. So wherever you are that you have a chance to win a championship, you're going to be excited to play for them. I think that's the biggest thing."

The outcome of the World Series may impact his choice, as the Yankees currently face a 2-0 series deficit despite his heroics.

Los Angeles wrapped up a successful offseason following its 2023 campaign, adding superstar Shohei Ohtani and starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto. The Dodgers' offense would become even more imposing if they were able to add Soto to a lineup that already features Ohtani, Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman.

In his first season with the Yankees, the right fielder hit .288 while racking up 41 home runs and 109 RBIs. If he chooses to leave New York in the winter, the Dodgers could be waiting with an offer.