The countdown to Juan Soto’s free agency decision is in full swing, and as the anticipation builds, we are starting to get a clearer picture of just how massive his impending contract could be. With Soto poised to hit the open market, MLB insiders are already forecasting a deal that could reshape the financial landscape of baseball.
In a new article for ESPN, MLB insiders Jeff Passan and Buster Olney discussed their contract projections for Soto, highlighting the extraordinary expectations for the young slugger’s next deal. Both reporters believe that Soto’s upcoming contract could even surpass the record-setting $700 million contract that Shohei Ohtani signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers last year.
Buster Olney remarked, “It’s a perfect storm of bidding, and through the use of deferrals, it does not seem out of the realm of possibility that the broad strokes of his deal could be something in the range of $750 million over 15 years.” This prediction speaks to the unique circumstances surrounding Soto’s market—his prime age, elite talent, and the fervent interest from multiple big-market teams.
Jeff Passan echoed Olney’s sentiments, acknowledging just how astronomical Soto’s contract could be. “It’s an enormous number,” Passan replied. “It could include deferred money. But less than a year after Shohei Ohtani signed a $700 million contract that shattered the previous record by nearly $275 million, Soto might exceed it.” If these projections hold true, Soto’s deal could set an unprecedented standard, signaling just how far teams are willing to go for a generational talent.
The potential for a $750 million contract demonstrates not only the extraordinary skill of Juan Soto but also the willingness of MLB teams to invest in a player who has proven himself to be one of the game’s brightest stars.
Soto, at just 26 years old, has already accomplished feats that place him on a Hall of Fame trajectory, and his free agency represents a rare opportunity for a franchise-altering addition.
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Soto’s impending free agency has drawn the attention of several of baseball’s most storied franchises, with the bidding reportedly coming down to the New York Yankees, New York Mets, Boston Red Sox, and Toronto Blue Jays.
Each of these teams is eager to add Soto to their roster, recognizing the transformative impact he could have both on and off the field.
The winner of the Soto sweepstakes will be acquiring a player who has already racked up four All-Star appearances, three All-MLB First Team selections, five Silver Slugger Awards, and a World Series title with the Washington Nationals in 2019.
In 2024, while playing for the Yankees, Soto put up MVP-caliber numbers, solidifying his place as one of the best hitters in the league. He slashed .288/.419/.569 with a career-high 41 home runs, 109 RBIs, and an OPS of .989. In addition to his offensive output, Soto also posted a career-best Wins Above Replacement (WAR) of 7.9, further demonstrating his all-around value. His ability to get on base, hit for power, and produce runs has made him one of the most feared hitters in baseball.
The level of interest from powerhouse teams like the Yankees, Mets, Red Sox, and Blue Jays is no surprise, given Soto’s track record and his potential to be a franchise cornerstone for the next decade and beyond.
The competition for his services will be fierce, and whichever team lands him will need to be prepared to make a significant financial commitment.
Soto’s combination of age, talent, and experience makes him a unique asset in today’s game, and his next contract is expected to reflect his status as a generational hitter.
The prospect of a $750 million deal may seem staggering, but for teams looking to secure a player with the ability to carry an offense and elevate a franchise, the price tag is justified.
Soto is more than just a great hitter—he is a game-changer, someone who can put a team in contention for championships year after year. His marketability and star power add even more value, making him an attractive target for franchises that are looking to make a statement.
As the free agency period looms, the baseball world will be watching closely to see where Juan Soto ends up and just how high the bidding will go. With projections already placing his contract well above the previous records, it is clear that Soto’s next deal could be one for the history books.
Whoever wins the sweepstakes will be paying a premium, but they will also be securing one of the most talented players of this generation—a move that could change the course of their franchise for years to come.
