The New York Yankees have made a strong mark in Major League Baseball this season, showcasing an impressive offensive roster. This offseason, they paired star outfielder Aaron Judge with another big name, Juan Soto, creating a dynamic duo that rivals any in the sport.
Soto’s move to the Yankees came through a high-profile trade with the San Diego Padres, significantly boosting New York’s star power. As Soto’s contract ends this season, speculation is rife about where he might end up in free agency.
MLB insider Jon Heyman from The New York Post recently shared his insights on MLB Network, outlining the top five potential destinations for Soto this winter.
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In the fifth spot, Heyman mentions the Toronto Blue Jays. After missing out on Shohei Ohtani last year, Toronto could be looking to make a significant acquisition this offseason. Snagging Soto from the Yankees would also give them a major competitive edge.
The San Francisco Giants rank fourth on his list. Despite efforts to attract a superstar in past years, they haven’t had much luck. Soto is familiar with Oracle Park from his Padres days, making this a plausible landing spot.
Heyman places the Los Angeles Dodgers in third. With their history of adding top talent, Soto might fit right into their already impressive lineup.
“Number three, I have the Dodgers. Stars have always wanted to join them,” Heyman pointed out. “You never know with their spending habits.”
Next up, at number two, are the New York Mets. Securing Soto would be a blow to the Yankees, and with high-spending owner Steve Cohen at the helm, anything is possible.
But topping Heyman’s list as the most likely destination for Soto is, fittingly, the Yankees themselves.
“It’s obvious; the Yankees rank number one, and I have them at even money,” he said. “With the location, tradition, and Aaron Judge behind him, it’s a solid situation for Soto.”
Soto has expressed his appreciation for his time in New York, yet the allure of a substantial contract could sway his decision. If the Yankees can’t match his financial expectations, they risk losing him.
This free agency saga is sure to garner as much attention as Ohtani’s did previously, with multiple teams eager to capture one of the league’s most prominent stars.
More news: Former MLB GM: Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani is More Exciting Than Yankees’ Aaron Judge