After a sensational season in pinstripes, Juan Soto’s future with the New York Yankees remains uncertain. Despite his massive impact on the team, predictions suggest Soto may be heading to a new home in 2025—and potentially securing the richest contract in baseball history.
Acquired via trade with the San Diego Padres before the 2024 season, Soto transformed the Yankees from a middling 82-80 team in 2023 to an American League powerhouse. With a 94-68 record, the Yankees claimed the AL’s best regular-season record and reached the World Series for the first time since 2009.
Soto’s personal achievements were just as remarkable. The 26-year-old outfielder earned his fourth All-Star selection, his fifth Silver Slugger Award, and a third-place finish in AL MVP voting. His stats were nothing short of elite:
41 home runs
109 RBIs
128 runs scored
.989 OPS
Soto’s presence in the lineup provided the left-handed power and consistency the Yankees desperately needed, making his potential departure a significant concern for the franchise.
As Soto hits free agency, the New York Mets are emerging as one of the biggest threats to lure him away. Mets owner Steve Cohen, known for his deep pockets and aggressive pursuit of star talent, appears ready to make Soto the centerpiece of his franchise.
Andy McCullough of The Athletic predicts that Cohen will outbid the Yankees and other suitors, writing: “(Steve) Cohen has the deepest pockets. He will dip into them to sign Soto to the richest (present-day value, for sure) contract in baseball history.”
Tim Britton of The Athletic projects Soto will land a 13-year, $611 million deal, which could surpass Shohei Ohtani’s record-breaking 10-year, $700 million contract (with a present-day value of $460 million due to deferred payments). If Britton’s prediction holds true, Soto’s deal would not only set a new standard in baseball contracts but also establish him as one of the highest-paid athletes in sports history.
For Yankees general manager Brian Cashman, the challenge is clear: find a way to retain one of the best hitters in the game. Soto’s bat, coupled with his youth and durability, makes him a once-in-a-generation talent. However, competing with the financial might of Steve Cohen and other deep-pocketed owners may prove to be a steep uphill battle.
The Yankees’ offseason will likely hinge on their ability to either re-sign Soto or pivot to a Plan B that ensures the team remains competitive in 2025. Losing Soto to a cross-town rival like the Mets would not only weaken the Yankees but also significantly shift the balance of power in New York baseball.
As the bidding war for Juan Soto heats up, one thing is certain: his next contract will be monumental. Whether it’s the Yankees, Mets, or another suitor, Soto’s free agency is shaping up to be one of the most captivating storylines of the offseason.
For Yankees fans, the hope is that Cashman and ownership step up to the plate, ensuring Soto continues to wear pinstripes for years to come. But with Cohen’s Mets looming, the battle for baseball’s brightest star is just beginning.