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

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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

At the annual MLB general manager meetings in San Antonio, Scott Boras emphasized Juan Soto’s “winning mentality,” positioning him as the “Mona Lisa” of this free-agent market. While Boras acknowledged that financial terms remain crucial, he stressed that Soto’s primary focus is on aligning with ownership committed to consistent success, both on and off the field.

“Juan loves winning,” Boras said, adding that Soto’s search for a new contract goes beyond monetary offers. “Juan Soto wants ownership that he knows is going to support an opportunity to win annually. It’s remarkable to think of a player from a very modest beginning from the Dominican Republic that for all of his monetary offerings he has received, record offers, that his focus was always, ‘I want to know who my owner is. I want to know that we’re going to be able to win … If I’m going to commit my career to it, I want the owner to commit his resources to it.’”

Describing Juan Soto as baseball’s equivalent of the “Mona Lisa,” Boras emphasized the exclusive value Soto brings to any team. “I think the fact that when you have something that no one else has in the player community and in the talent arena,” Boras said, “you have the jewel. You have the Mona Lisa of the museum. You have the attraction.” He added, “You also have somebody that allows for owners to win repeatedly, and when owners win repeatedly, their revenues skyrocket. They develop the impact of postseason play, attendance, rights in the streaming world, international branding having one of the greats, and he has literally 15 years more of his prime to offer.”

Boras also highlighted Juan Soto’s postseason experience, comparing him to other historic free agents. Unlike Alex Rodriguez, who had limited postseason experience when he hit free agency, Soto has already excelled in championship situations.

“The one thing that I’m really happy about is that Juan has played in World Series,” Boras said. “He’s known championship moments. I mean, other than the Dodgers and Astros’ players, Juan has got the most bats in the postseason. So, he’s been seen and understood much more than A-Rod was when he was a young player. Obviously playing in New York City and in the platform of New York, his character, working with the biggest media markets, everything about Juan Soto is pretty well known.”

In Boras’s view, Juan Soto’s quest for a new contract is about finding the right partnership, one where an ownership’s competitive spirit aligns with Soto’s drive. Boras believes this will set a new standard for free-agent contracts, emphasizing both competitive commitment and long-term franchise value.

Is Juan Soto staying with the Yankees?

Following the Yankees’ World Series loss, Juan 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 NYP 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, Juan 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 Juan 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 Juan 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.

Juan 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?

What do you think? Leave your comment below.

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