The New York Yankees are eager to capture their first World Series title since 2009, driven to end their longest championship drought since the 18-year gap between 1978 and 1996. Winning this season would not only fulfill the team’s aspirations but also justify their major financial commitments to stars like Aaron Judge and Gerrit Cole, along with their high-profile acquisition of Juan Soto.
According to ESPN baseball insider Kiley McDaniel, a World Series triumph could play a pivotal role in the Yankees’ efforts to retain Soto beyond this season. Speaking on the “Baseball Tonight with Buster Olney” podcast, McDaniel estimated that Soto’s potential free-agent contract could land in the range of $501-600 million, with the most likely figure being between $550-560 million.
McDaniel speculated that the Yankees’ postseason success could heavily influence Soto’s decision. He suggested that a championship might increase the chances of Soto re-signing with the Yankees, while a failure to win could push him toward their crosstown rivals, the New York Mets.
“I tend to think that it’s going to be a slightly hotter than normal market, and I think there’s going to be a couple motivated bidders,” McDaniel told. “So I would guess [Soto’s contract is] somewhere from, if I want to be broad, I’ll say $501-600 [million]. I think probably $550-560 [million] is probably where I’m going to land. If the Yankees win [the World Series], he returns. If the Yankees lose, he goes to the Mets,” McDaniel continued.
The prospect of Soto signing with the Mets is bound to unsettle Yankees fans, particularly after Buster Olney added fuel to the conversation by suggesting Soto might end up with the Mets regardless of how the Yankees’ postseason plays out.
These rumors heighten the stakes for the Yankees as they prepare for their American League Championship Series against the Cleveland Guardians, adding pressure beyond just the quest for a title—potentially shaping the team’s future roster.
Ex-star bets on Juan Soto staying with Yankees
Juan Soto’s upcoming free agency has sparked considerable interest throughout Major League Baseball, with his combination of youth and elite talent expected to command a historic contract. Due to the high financial stakes, only a few teams—Soto’s current team, the New York Yankees, along with the New York Mets, Toronto Blue Jays, and San Francisco Giants—are seen as serious contenders for the Dominican star.
While the Yankees are widely viewed as favorites to retain Soto, the Mets are also expected to mount a serious bid. However, former Yankees and Mets pitcher Dellin Betances believes Soto will stay in the Bronx.
Appearing on the “Pinstripes Territory” podcast, Betances shared his perspective on Soto’s future. He pointed to the advantage the Yankees have, citing Soto’s full season at Yankee Stadium, which Betances described as one of the premier venues in baseball. He emphasized the team’s commitment to maintaining a competitive roster and noted the positive atmosphere surrounding Soto’s successful season with the club.
Betances also acknowledged Mets owner Steve Cohen’s financial clout, which could make New York’s crosstown rivals a formidable bidder. The Mets are already projected to carry the league’s highest payroll in 2024. Betances conceded that Soto’s decision would likely hinge on both financial incentives and the chance to play for a contending team.
Despite Cohen’s resources, Betances predicted that Soto would ultimately stay with the Yankees, expressing confidence that the team would present a competitive offer. He admitted that Cohen could outspend the Bombers, but Betances remained firm in his belief that Soto would opt to continue his career in pinstripes.
According to him:
“Well, the Yankees had the leg up, right? They had this whole year for him [Juan Soto] to see how it is to play in Yankee Stadium, probably one of the best places to play in…They’re trying to put the best product out there, and Soto’s feeling the energy all year, had a tremendous year. So, the Yankees have a leg up there. Obviously, the money, at the end of the day, is what’s going to take to kind of put the final touches to that, and, you know, I feel like he’ll stay with the Yankees, to be honest with you. I think that they’ll do the right thing and, you know, put a good amount of money out there for him. And, you know, I don’t know if Steve Cohen is gonna be like, ‘All right, I’m just gonna offer $150 million more than you guys,’ right? I mean, he can definitely do it. [It’s] Steve Cohen, but I will pick the Yankees to sign him.”
In a recent interview with Bleacher Report, veteran MLB insider Jon Heyman ranked the New York Yankees as the leading contenders to keep Soto, suggesting the outfielder’s positive experience at Yankee Stadium could weigh heavily in his decision. The Yankees’ history of fielding competitive teams was also noted as a key factor.
Following the Yankees, Heyman placed the New York Mets as Soto’s second-most likely landing spot, emphasizing their substantial financial resources. Mets owner Steve Cohen’s willingness to spend aggressively could position them as strong challengers for the star’s services.
Heyman also listed the Toronto Blue Jays, San Francisco Giants, and Los Angeles Dodgers among the next group of suitors. Additionally, he mentioned the Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, and Philadelphia Phillies as longshot contenders in the sweepstakes.
The range of opinions from MLB insiders underscores the complexity and unpredictability surrounding Soto’s free agency, as financial considerations, team success, and personal preferences could all factor into his decision. Still, a championship can help the Yankees retain him.
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