Yankees Might Face Surprise Competition for Juan Soto: ‘Fascinating’
Juan Soto’s upcoming free agency is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing stories in baseball. After a stellar 2024 season with the New York Yankees, a $500 million contract could be the starting point for negotiations, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan. The Yankees and New York Mets are expected to be major contenders for the 25-year-old star, but could the Washington Nationals make a bid to bring back their former player?
During a discussion on MLB.com, analysts Mark Feinsand, Sarah Langs, and Anthony DiComo weighed in on Soto’s free agency. When moderator Alyson Footer asked for their top four teams in the race, all three named the Yankees, Mets, Nationals, and San Francisco Giants.
Footer highlighted the Nationals’ inclusion, calling it “fascinating.” While Washington may not be a leading contender, the panel didn’t rule out their chances. Feinsand pointed out the warm reception Soto received when he returned to D.C. with the Yankees, emphasizing his continued connection with the team and its fans. Soto could also command a significantly higher contract now than the $440 million deal he turned down a few years ago.
Yankees Still Leading the Charge to Retain Juan Soto
Despite interest from other teams, the Yankees remain the favorite to sign Soto. On an August 29 Bleacher Report live stream, Jon Heyman of the New York Post listed the Yankees and Mets as the top contenders for the outfielder, giving the Yankees even odds and the Mets 5-1 odds.
The Yankees have had the unique advantage of showcasing their team throughout the 2024 season while Soto has been wearing their uniform. Soto’s strong performance, coupled with support from Yankees fans and encouragement from Aaron Judge, has further bolstered the team’s chances of re-signing him.
Soto’s 2024 campaign has been outstanding. Over 615 plate appearances, he’s hitting .293/.420/.585 with 27 doubles, 37 home runs, 96 RBIs, and 110 runs scored. His 7.4 WAR, as calculated by FanGraphs, marks a career high, surpassing the 6.8 WAR he posted in 2021 with Washington. As the Yankees gear up for a postseason run, Soto’s value to the team and their future plans becomes even clearer.
How Can the Yankees Build Around Juan Soto and Aaron Judge?
While the Yankees have much going for them in their pursuit of Soto, questions remain about how they will structure their roster around him and Aaron Judge. Financial constraints could limit their flexibility, potentially leading to a lineup featuring Soto, Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, and younger, less proven players.
Feinsand noted that the Nationals may have an edge in this regard. With young, cost-controlled stars like James Wood, Dylan Crews, and CJ Abrams, Soto could be part of a competitive core in Washington without immediate salary concerns. In contrast, the Yankees would be balancing big contracts and uncertain prospects.
Ultimately, the Yankees are positioned as key players in the Juan Soto sweepstakes, but it will be intriguing to see which teams step up to challenge them.
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