Juan Soto's Top MLB FA Landing Spots After Yankees' Gerrit Cole Contract Decision
After the New York Yankees agreed to retain starting pitcher Gerrit Cole before Monday's deadline, all attention will now be on star outfielder Juan Soto.
Following another impressive campaign in 2024, Soto will be the most prized free agent on the market this winter. At just 26 years old, he's likely to receive record-breaking offers from any team that can afford him.
Here's a look at Soto's top options as he enters free agency for the first time in his career.
New York Yankees
1 of 3
After helping to lead the New York Yankees to their first World Series appearance since 2009, Soto endeared himself to fans in the Bronx and looked like a perfect fit in pinstripes.
He brought back a swagger that was missing from the Yankees lineup, and his presence helped star slugger Aaron Judge put forth a campaign that will likely earn him his second career American League MVP award.
Staying with the Yankees would solidify Soto as one of the faces of the franchise alongside Judge. He would give New York its best chance to add a 28th World Series title and help avenge the heartbreak of this year's loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The Yankees have been safe with their spending over the last few years, but if ever there was a time to return to the days under George Steinbrenner when the team would break the bank to land the player it wanted, it's now.
Soto is a proven superstar who can make the Yankees the top contender in the AL for years to come.
New York Mets
2 of 3
The New York Mets made themselves an attractive destination with their surprising run to the National League Championship Series, where they pushed the Dodgers to six games.
The team's bright future and owner Steve Cohen's checkbook could entice Soto to make a trip across town to sign with New York's other squad.
The Mets have an MVP candidate in star shortstop Francisco Lindor, who previously expressed optimism that Soto "breaks every record" with his next contract.
Cohen has not been shy about handing out major paydays since buying the team in 2020, and it can be expected that he will be just as aggressive in his offer to Soto.
The move from the Bronx to Queens would be an easy transition for Soto, and he would likely bring some fans with him.
While some fans would be left heartbroken, they'd understand if Soto couldn't turn down a bank-breaking contract offer from Cohen.
Los Angeles Dodgers
3 of 3
If you can't beat 'em, join 'em?
For Soto, that could be an easy question to answer if the Dodgers offer him a record deal similar to the one that landed them Shohei Ohtani last offseason.
The 2024 World Series champions have proved to be one of the most competitive franchises in free agency in recent years, creating a modern superteam with Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, Mookie Betts and other stars. Adding Soto to the mix could set the Dodgers up for a run that establishes a new dynasty in MLB.
Joining the team that just beat you in the postseason would be similar to NBA star Kevin Durant leaving the Oklahoma City Thunder to join the Golden State Warriors. However, he led the Warriors to back-to-back NBA championships and three straight trips to the NBA Finals.
Soto could have a similar effect if he joins the Dodgers, as the other 29 teams would have a rough time competing against such a star-studded lineup.
.png?w=256)
.png?w=480)
.jpg?w=600 "Colts Release Kenny Moore")
