Scott Boras says Juan Soto prioritizes ‘winning mentality’ in free agency, putting Yankees on alert

n: Juan Soto, current player of the New York Yankees, standing with his agent Scott Boras during his time with the Washington Nationals
AP

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Juan Soto‘s future with the New York Yankees remains uncertain as speculation grows over his next potential move. This week, the Yankees confirmed they are ramping up their offer to retain Soto, but his agent, Scott Boras, has hinted that other teams may be in play, adding fuel to the rumors surrounding Soto’s next club.

Boras’s take on Juan Soto’s free agency

Juan Soto looks on during the Yankees’ Game 5 loss to the Dodgers on Oct. 30, 2024.
Charles Wenzelberg / NYP

Scott Boras, Major League Baseball’s most high-profile player agent, provided insight on Wednesday during his annual press session at the league’s general manager meetings in San Antonio, Texas. Boras discussed Soto’s priorities for his next contract, as well as other high-profile free agents like Alex Bregman of the Houston Astros and Pete Alonso of the New York Mets.

Boras indicated that Juan Soto is focused on finding an ownership group dedicated to “winning.” While money remains an important factor, Soto and Boras are reportedly looking for a club willing to offer both a strong commitment to success and the financial backing to match it. Soto’s decision could heavily depend on which team is willing to offer the right balance of competitive spirit and lucrative terms.

Is Juan Soto staying with the Yankees?

Following the Yankees’ World Series loss, Soto’s name has been increasingly linked to teams like the New York Mets and Los Angeles Dodgers. According to California sources, the Dodgers are among the top contenders to land Soto, making him one of their top offseason targets. Jon Heyman of the *New York Post* reports that the Dodgers, Yankees, and Mets are the current frontrunners for Soto’s services, with one of Soto’s friends suggesting those three teams have the best chances.

Soto himself has kept his options open, stating, “I don’t know all the teams that are after me, but I’m definitely open to listen. I don’t have any doors closed. I’m available to all 30 teams.”

At just 26 years old, Soto is expected to be one of the most coveted free agents, drawing interest from around the league. Heyman reported that at least eleven teams have already inquired about Soto’s availability. He’s seeking a contract worth around $700 million, a staggering sum only comparable to what the Dodgers recently allocated to Shohei Ohtani.

Dodgers, Yankees, and Mets Compete for Juan Soto’s signature

The Dodgers have proven they’re willing to spend big in pursuit of elite talent, having allocated significant funds to secure players like Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto. However, whether they’re willing to meet Soto’s expected price tag remains uncertain. Their heavy financial commitments may influence how much they can offer Soto this offseason.

Meanwhile, the Yankees are highly motivated to keep Soto in the Bronx, where he proved invaluable. In his 2024 season with New York, Soto posted an impressive .288/.419/.569 slash line, racking up 166 hits, 128 runs, and a career-high 41 home runs with 129 RBIs. His postseason performance only added to his value, as he hit .327 with four home runs and nine RBIs, helping lead the Yankees back to the World Series for the first time since 2009.

“I hope he’s here forever,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said, according to Heyman. “But I also know I’m excited for him and what the next few months are for him.”

Soto’s season with the Yankees was nothing short of exceptional. The 26-year-old outfielder made his fourth MLB All-Star Game appearance and formed a potent partnership with Yankees center fielder Aaron Judge, creating one of the league’s most formidable offensive duos. As one of the most sought-after players in MLB, Soto’s decision will undoubtedly impact the Yankees’ strategy and prospects for 2025.

With the Yankees’ intent to retain him and other major clubs in the mix, Juan Soto’s offseason journey promises to be one of the most compelling narratives in baseball. The question remains: will the Bronx Bombers offer the combination of financial and competitive appeal that Soto seeks, or will he find a new home with one of their biggest rivals?

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Let’s no kid ourselves, for Boras, while the total money is great, but he has shown with Soto already, it’s all about the AAV. He was already offered a contract about $80M more in total $$ than anyone else had gotten up to that point, so beat Ohtani’s $46M AAV.

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