New MLB rumor delivers update on Juan Soto’s expected yearly salary with either Mets, Yankees, Red Sox or Dodgers
As the MLB offseason continues to heat up, one of the biggest names in trade rumors is Juan Soto.
The San Diego Padres’ star outfielder has long been rumored to be on the trading block, and with his contract set to expire after the 2024 season, this could be one of the most pivotal moments in Soto’s career.
Various teams, including the New York Mets, New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, and Los Angeles Dodgers, have been linked to Soto in trade talks, leading to speculation about his future with one of these high-spending, big-market clubs. Central to this speculation is the financial aspect: specifically, how much Soto will command on a yearly basis in salary, regardless of which team he lands with. Here’s a breakdown of what we can expect regarding Soto’s expected yearly salary if he joins one of these four clubs.
Background: Soto’s Current Contract and Value
Juan Soto is currently under contract with the San Diego Padres, but his deal runs through the 2024 season, and he is expected to become one of the most sought-after free agents in the history of Major League Baseball. Soto is a generational talent, one of the best hitters of his generation. He has made multiple All-Star appearances and has already accumulated impressive accolades, including a World Series title with the Washington Nationals in 2019.
In 2023, Soto earned $23 million in his final year of arbitration eligibility before hitting free agency. His performance on the field — combined with his age (he’s only 25 years old as of December 2024) — has placed him in the upper echelon of MLB’s free agent market, with a projected salary that could rival or exceed the record-setting deals of players like Mike Trout, Mookie Betts, and Bryce Harper. As a result, Soto’s expected salary is a key factor in trade negotiations, especially for high-payroll teams like the Mets, Yankees, Red Sox, and Dodgers, who all have the financial flexibility to sign him to a massive extension.
Juan Soto’s Projected Annual Salary
As of now, there is no exact figure for what Soto will earn per year in his next deal, but various reports have suggested that his salary will likely land in the range of $35-40 million annually on a long-term contract. Several factors contribute to this, including the current market for superstar players, Soto’s age and production, and the contracts signed by other elite talents in recent seasons.
1. Comparisons to Mookie Betts and Bryce Harper
When discussing the expected salary for a player of Soto’s caliber, it’s useful to look at recent contracts for comparable players. Mookie Betts signed a 12-year, $365 million extension with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2020, which averages $30.4 million annually. Harper, another superstar outfielder, inked a 13-year, $330 million deal with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2019, which averages $25.4 million per year. While Soto’s deal is expected to surpass both of these figures, given his age and elite skill set, it’s likely he will earn somewhere in the range of $35-40 million per season on a deal that could last anywhere from 8 to 12 years.
2. The Impact of the New CBA and Inflation in Player Salaries
The new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between MLB owners and the Players’ Association has already influenced the salary structure for top players. With increased luxury tax thresholds and more money flowing into the sport due to new media deals and increased revenues, the market for top-tier players has expanded significantly. This is especially true for teams with deep pockets like the Mets, Yankees, Red Sox, and Dodgers, who are willing to pay a premium for elite talent.
This context means Soto could see an even higher payday than what previous comparable players received. With inflation in player salaries and the rapidly increasing revenues of major league clubs, it’s not out of the question that Soto could approach or exceed $40 million per year, particularly if he signs a deal that locks him in for a decade or longer.
3. The Potential for Record-Breaking Deals
Given Soto’s pedigree and the state of the market, his eventual contract could break records for an outfielder or even for any position player. While Trout’s $426.5 million deal (which averages $35.5 million per year) currently stands as the largest contract in MLB history for a position player, Soto is positioned to challenge that record. Should he sign an 8-year, $320 million deal (an average of $40 million annually), or a 10-year, $350 million deal (an average of $35 million annually), he would surpass the average annual value of Trout’s deal.
This would make Soto not only one of the highest-paid players in MLB but also one of the most sought-after free agents in the sport’s history.
The Impact of Team Fit
While Soto’s salary expectations remain high, the teams interested in acquiring him must also consider their financial landscape and how Soto fits into their long-term plans. Let’s look at how the Mets, Yankees, Red Sox, and Dodgers could manage the financial commitment to Soto.
1. New York Mets
The Mets are one of the most aggressive teams in MLB when it comes to spending, as evidenced by their willingness to sign Max Scherzer, Justin Verlander, and other big-name players in recent seasons. The Mets’ owner, Steve Cohen, has shown that he is willing to invest heavily in the team, and with the payroll flexibility they have moving forward, they could make a play for Soto. A deal with the Mets might push Soto’s salary to the higher end of the expected range — around $40 million annually — due to Cohen’s desire to build a championship-caliber team.
2. New York Yankees
The Yankees have been linked to Soto for years, and they remain a prime candidate to land him. The team has one of the largest and most lucrative media markets in the world and is always a major player in the free-agent market. The Yankees are not afraid to spend, and while they typically prioritize positional flexibility, adding Soto’s bat to the middle of their lineup would make them instant contenders. With their recent deals for Aaron Judge and other high-priced players, a contract for Soto in the $35-38 million range seems reasonable.
3. Boston Red Sox
The Red Sox have been more financially conservative in recent years, but they still have the resources to make a splash in free agency. The team’s historical success and large fan base provide significant revenue streams, and they may be willing to break the bank for a talent like Soto. With recent payroll restrictions, Boston’s offer could be in the lower end of the expected range, potentially around $35 million annually.
4. Los Angeles Dodgers
The Dodgers are another team with the financial capacity to sign Soto to a massive deal. They have a history of signing large contracts, including Mookie Betts’ extension, and they’re known for going after the best available talent. Given the success of their front office and their need to replace aging veterans in the lineup, they could offer Soto a long-term deal in the $38-40 million range.
Conclusion
As Juan Soto enters the final year of his contract with the San Diego Padres, his future remains one of the most intriguing storylines of the MLB offseason. No matter which team he ends up with — whether it’s the Mets, Yankees, Red Sox, or Dodgers — it’s clear that Soto’s next deal will be one of the largest in MLB history. With his youth, incredible talent, and potential for sustained success, Soto is poised to earn a yearly salary in the $35-40 million range on a long-term deal, cementing his place as one of the sport’s premier superstars for years to come.
