Yankees’ worry: Is Juan Soto sending signals to Dodgers for FA bidding?

The 2024 offseason is going to be centered around Juan Soto‘s free agency. Recent statements by the powerhouse hitter, who is now with the New York Yankees, have added more fuel to rumors.

Juan Soto’s comments on the All-Star workout day set apprehensions about him inviting the Los Angeles Dodgers to bid for him after the 2024 season. While speaking to the media, he expressed that his ideal teammate would be Shohei Ohtani, the two-way sensation from the Los Angeles Dodgers. While Juan Soto recognizes that this dream duo is unlikely to happen anytime soon, the idea of superstar alliances in baseball remains largely untapped, turning his fantasy into an intriguing “what if” scenario for fans and analysts alike.

After being asked about Steph Curry and LeBron James playing on the same team with Team USA, Juan Soto is asked about an MLB player he'd like to play on the same team with:

"[Shohei] Ohtani would be one of them – he went to the NL and I went to the AL, so it's tricky" pic.twitter.com/wsziMp4p6e

— Yankees Videos (@snyyankees) July 15, 2024

As Juan Soto approaches free agency after this season, the possibility of him joining Ohtani remains unlikely. Dodgers fans might dream about the pairing, but financial constraints present major challenges. Although the team has substantial resources, their spending power beyond limits will decide it.

With a projected payroll of $235.2 million for 2025 already leading MLB, adding Juan Soto could push that figure close to $300 million, not counting other potential signings. Such a staggering amount would likely exceed even the Dodgers’ considerable budget, turning this dream partnership into an exciting yet unrealistic fantasy for the time being.

The baseball world is abuzz with speculation about Juan Soto’s future as his upcoming free agency generates significant interest. A June survey by ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel, involving 28 industry insiders, estimated his market value at a staggering $40.4 million annually over 12 years.

If Juan Soto decides to stay with the Yankees or move to another American League team, the dream of teaming up with Ohtani would likely fade. Such a decision would not only keep them apart during the regular season but also set them up as rivals in All-Star Games for the foreseeable future.

Nevertheless, the unpredictable nature of baseball leaves room for surprises. Since the Washington Nationals’ 2019 World Series win, Juan Soto’s career has taken unexpected turns, including two trades in just five years—a scenario few could have anticipated.

While the chances may seem slim, the potential for these generational talents to eventually join forces can’t be entirely ruled out. Baseball often defies expectations, prompting fans to wonder: Could this superstar duo become a reality someday?

Juan Soto keep his cards close to his chest

During the All-Star media day, as reported by ESPN’s Jorge Castillo, Juan Soto deftly sidestepped questions about his impending free agency, humorously noting that if he could foresee the future, he’d be playing the lottery.

He stressed his commitment to enjoying the present and representing the Yankees. While he expressed excitement about participating in the All-Star game, Juan Soto reiterated that the future is uncertain, leaving fans and analysts to speculate about his next career move.

“If I knew the future,” the Yankees slugger explained, “I would play the lottery. Nobody knows the future. At the end of the day, I’m enjoying this moment, representing the New York Yankees. … I’m very happy to be part of [the game], but nobody knows what will happen next year.”

As Juan Soto nears free agency, industry experts predict offers could exceed $500 million. According to ESPN’s Jorge Castillo, multiple teams—including the New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies, Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, and Washington Nationals—are expected to compete with the Yankees for his services.

Juan Soto’s impressive first half of the 2024 season supports these lofty projections. With a slash line of .295/.426/.558, 23 home runs, and 66 RBI, he has played a key role in leading the Yankees to a 58-40 record.

Juan Soto was asked about his upcoming free agency:

"Right now, I hope to win another championship with the Yankees. We're trying to do our best and that's what we're focused on." pic.twitter.com/rPWrbxo0HB

— Yankees Videos (@snyyankees) July 15, 2024

Now making his fourth All-Star appearance, and his first as a starter, the 25-year-old reflected on his unique experience of representing a different team in each of the last three All-Star Games. After stints with the Nationals, Padres, and now the Yankees, Juan Soto expressed a desire for greater stability in his career going forward.

He acknowledged feeling somewhat uneasy about the frequent team changes and jersey swaps, indicating a preference for a long-term commitment to one team in the future.

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