Becoming a free agent for the first time in December, superstar slugger Juan Soto intends to take his time before deciding on his new team, according to player’s agent Scott Boras.
Soto is the best player available in upcoming free agency after making his fourth consecutive All-Star appearance in 2024. He is expected to fetch a deal that will likely come just behind the 10-year, $700 million contract that Japanese two-way phenom Shohei Ohtani signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers last offseason.
Despite the hefty price tag, Soto won’t lack suitors and intends to be thorough in the process before picking a franchise to which he’ll dedicate the prime of his career.
“Due to the volume of interest and Juan’s desire to hear [from teams], I can’t put a timeframe on it, but it’s going to be a very thorough process for him,” Boras said while speaking with reporters during MLB’s general manager’s meetings. “He wants to meet people personally. He wants to talk with them. He wants to hear from them.”
As Boras hinted, Soto might not just take the highest offer that comes his way.
“He wants ownership that’s going to support the fact that they are going win annually,” the influential agent added. “Owners want to meet with Juan and sit down and talk with him about what they’re going to provide for their franchise short term and long term.”
Juan Soto just wrapped up one of his best seasons since making his MLB debut in 2018. In 157 games with the Yankees, Soto batted .288 while hitting a career-high 41 home runs and having 109 RBIs. He was also highly productive in the postseason, helping the Yankees reach the World Series.
