We’re just a week away from the MLB Winter Meetings, where representatives from every every team will convene for four days to discuss league business and off-season trades and transactions. It’s historically been a launching point for several marquee free agent signings, and this year, the prize is slugger Juan Soto.
At just 26 years of age, Soto is a generational talent that is expected to command a deal this winter in excess of 10 years and $600 million. He already boasts a World Series ring, a National League batting title, and four All-Star appearances on his sparkling resume, and he’s fresh off lifting the New York Yankees to a World Series appearance. Soto has compiled 36.4 WAR across seven seasons, while slashing .285/.421/.532. He swatted 41 homers for the Yankees last season and posted an incredible 1.101 OPS in 14 postseason games.
Entering free agency, Soto made it clear that he would listen to offers from every team interested in acquiring his services; however, five teams have emerged as frontrunners, according to several reports. The New York Yankees, New York Mets, Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Toronto Blue Jays have all made unspecified offers to the slugger, who is expected to make his final decision in the next week, according to MLB Insider Jon Morosi.
| Team | Odds to sign Soto (NorthStar Bets) |
| New York Yankees | -148 |
| New York Mets | +200 |
| Boston Red Sox | +400 |
| Los Angeles Dodgers | +500 |
| Toronto Blue Jays | +700 |
New York Yankees
It’s easy to see why the Yankees have the shortest odds to retain Soto’s services, because, well, they’re the Yankees. There’s no better way to build your Cooperstown resume than playing for the most-storied franchise in baseball under the brightest lights, and the Yankees are always willing to spend their way into World Series contention, year after year. With Aaron Judge locked up through 2031, Soto has the chance to be one half of one of the most-feared duos of all time at the plate. Above all, Soto is now familiar with the Yankees after playing a full season in New York and likely comfortable with his surroundings.
New York Mets
Billionaire owner Steve Cohen, with an estimated net worth of $21.3 billion, has proven over the last few offseasons he’s not afraid to spend big in an attempt to improve his club, and this year should be no different. The Mets have the financial firepower to pull this deal off and an owner with an ego big enough to not be outbid. On the field, the Mets made a run to the National League Championship Series last year, also proving they’re World Series contenders.
New York Mets to sign Juan Soto
Boston Red Sox
One year after team executives pledged to fans they’d go “full throttle” in free agency only to flop and sign a few mid-range talents, CEO Sam Kennedy is once again making promises to spend big this offseason, recently telling the Boston Globe they’re willing to spend up to the $241 million luxury tax threshold. Fans aren’t buying it after being deceived by management the prior offseason, but Red Sox legend David Ortiz is actively involved in the Soto recruiting efforts. Boston has a plethora of left-handed hitting talent, and potentially adding Soto only adds to that problem, but there are solutions via subsequent trades that could help balance out the lineup. Boston signed reliever Aroldis Chapman to a one-year, $10.75 million deal on Tuesday, which could be an indication the Red Sox aren’t confident they’ll land Soto in free agency, as that’s a significant amount of money that could’ve been allocated to the slugger’s projected monstrous yearly salary.
Los Angeles Dodgers
Of course the Dodgers are in on Soto, because they’re literally in on every free marquee agent. However, it’s hard to imagine another massive financial commitment after the team gave Shohei Ohtani $700 million (most of it deferred) last winter. Additionally, the Dodgers already shelled out $182 million for left-hander Blake Snell a few days ago. They have an embarrassment of riches, and are already listed as the runaway World Series favourites in 2025, so there really isn’t any urgency to sign Soto, especially after claiming World Series glory in 2024.
Toronto Blue Jays
The Blue Jays are the dark horses in this race, but they’re perhaps a little undervalued in their pursuit of Soto, at least from a betting perspective at 7/1 odds. They struck out on Shohei Ohtani a year ago, devastating a fanbase that had World Series aspirations. The team then responded by flopping on the field with a 74-win season, and now fans are nervous that Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and/or Bo Bichette could be on the move shortly, as they are both slated to become free agents after the 2025 season. However, SNY’s Andy Martino has reported that there’s “widespread belief” the Blue Jays will come in with the highest offer for Soto. The Blue Jays are one of two teams (Atlanta is the other) that are under corporate ownership, giving them significant financial resources to pull off such a deal.
