• Loading stock data...
Saturday, August 30, 2025
The biggest names in sports media. All in one room. Get your ticket now!

Juan Soto Sweepstakes Underway: Superstar’s Deal Could Reshape MLB

The MLB superstar is set to gain the second-largest contract in U.S. pro sports history.

Oct 26, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; New York Yankees outfielder Juan Soto (22) reacts after hitting a home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the third inning for game two of the 2024 MLB World Series at Dodger Stadium.
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Juan Soto free-agency derby is officially underway, and his decision is set to have major ramifications across the sport. 

Soto’s impending free agency has been highly anticipated all year, becoming a major storyline during both the All-Star Game and the World Series. The moment has now arrived, and the 26-year-old Soto began receiving calls from nearly a dozen teams within hours of the Dodgers completing a five-game World Series win over Soto’s Yankees. 

With a deal almost certain to exceed $600 million, Soto is now in line to reap the second-largest player contract in U.S. pro team sports history, trailing only the 10-year, $700 million agreement between the Dodgers and Shohei Ohtani. Depending on the level of deferrals involved, Soto could smash Ohtani’s contract in present-day value. 

Soto, like all other MLB free-agent players, will be eligible to sign with a new team beginning Monday at 5 p.m. ET. 

“I’m going to be available for all 30 teams,” Soto said after the Dodgers clinched their World Series win. “I don’t want to say anybody has any advantage because at the end of the day, we’re going to look at what they have and how much they want me.”

Soto is represented by baseball mega-agent Scott Boras, long known for working with many of baseball’s biggest stars and commanding top-dollar deals. But Soto’s youth—he just turned 26—and his Hall of Fame-caliber trajectory on the field make him a particularly unique free agent, even among other stars to hit the market recently such as Ohtani. 

Limited Suitors

Despite Soto’s comments, and the fact that several teams have conveyed their initial interest, only a select few actually have the financial ability to take on a contract of this size. That group includes the Dodgers, Yankees, and Mets, and perhaps a few others such as the Phillies, Cubs, and Blue Jays.

All of these clubs have ownership stakes in their regional sports networks and have been comparatively insulated from the ongoing turbulence in that part of the television industry. None of those teams are connected to the Diamond Sports Group bankruptcy, either. 

Ripple Effect?

Soto has frequently spoken well of his one year in pinstripes, a season that brought the Yankees their first World Series berth in 15 years. But some of that consideration could rest on what the team does with ace pitcher Gerrit Cole, who opted out of the final four seasons and $144 million on his existing contract with New York.

The Yankees can eliminate that opt-out by adding on a fifth year and $36 million to Cole’s deal by Monday at 5 p.m., when full free agency opens. Keeping Cole, last year’s American League Cy Young Award winner, would help convey a continued commitment to winning, something Soto has said is important to him. 

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Mar 12, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani talks with translator Ippei Mizuhara in the dugout against the San Francisco Giants during a spring training baseball game at Camelback Ranch-Glendale.

Bookie Believes Shohei Ohtani ‘Was Aware’ of Interpreter’s Gambling

Mathew Bowyer ran the illegal gambling business used by interpreter Ippei Mizuhara.

Kyle Schwarber’s MVP Candidacy Could Lead to Massive Payday

The Phillies slugger makes history and could do so again this winter.

Who Are the Richest MLB Owners?

MLB owners are among the wealthiest people in the U.S.
Willie Mays

Willie Mays’s Son Tries to Block Sale of Some Memorabilia 

Michael Mays disputes that his father wanted certain items sold after he died.

Featured Today

Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) celebrates with offensive lineman Donovan Jackson (74) after a touchdown catch against Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the first quarter during the College Football Playoff National Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on January 20, 2025.

The Most Expensive Roster Year in College Football History

The House settlement created revenue-sharing—and a big NIL loophole.
August 26, 2025

‘You’re Going to Get Beat Up’: The Liberty’s All-Male Practice Squad

A select group suits up weekly to take on the defending champs.
August 24, 2025

The Honey Deuce Effect: How Tennis Perfected the Signature Cocktail

Sold every 1.5 seconds, they total more than $12 million in sales.
Dec 21, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) warms up as the Texas Longhorns prepare to play the Clemson Tigers in the first round of the College Football Playoffs at Darrell K Royal Texas Memorial Stadium.
August 23, 2025

Schools Are Hesitant to Allow PE Into Their Athletic Departments

Regardless of budget, schools don’t believe the risk is worth the reward.
Dallas Wings

WNBA Teams Desperate to Expand Rosters Amid ‘Extreme Hardship’ 

The Wings are scrambling to field eight players Friday night.
May 24, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban celebrates after defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves in game two of the western conference finals for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Target Center.
August 28, 2025

Mark Cuban on Why NBA Expansion Isn’t Imminent

Cuban said the next CBA could help solve some expansion issues.
August 28, 2025

Selig Backs MLB Salary Cap, but Warns Against Labor Fight

The league’s former commissioner cites salary-cap success in other leagues.
Sponsored

Gareth Bale on MLS vs EPL, Retirement & Buying Cardiff City

Gareth Bale shares his post-soccer business playbook.
Aug 24, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) looks on from the bench against the Minnesota Lynx in the second half at Target Center.
August 27, 2025

Caitlin Clark Still Out With 2 Weeks Left in WNBA Season

The WNBA regular season ends Sept. 11.
August 27, 2025

Keegan Bradley Declines Rare Ryder Cup Playing Captain Role

Bradley did not choose himself with one of his six captain’s picks.
August 26, 2025

NFL Roster Cut Deadline Passes After Backup QB Carousel

Several high-profile backups were traded or signed with new teams.
August 26, 2025

MLB Unveils 2026 Schedule As Big Changes Loom Soon After

Next year’s slate could be among the last in the current format.