Three Major MLB Insiders All Name The Same Favorite To Sign Juan Soto
Juan Soto is one of the brightest stars in Major League Baseball, a generational talent with a rare combination of power, plate discipline, and ability to hit for average. Since his arrival in MLB at the age of 19 with the Washington Nationals, Soto has turned heads with his ability to consistently produce at the plate. Known for his deep understanding of the strike zone, impressive bat speed, and power, he has quickly become one of the most coveted players in baseball.
As of now, Soto is under contract with the San Diego Padres, but rumors about his future are already swirling. Soto is eligible for arbitration in 2024 and is expected to hit free agency soon after. The question many are asking is: Where will he go?
Three major MLB insiders—Ken Rosenthal (The Athletic), Jon Heyman (New York Post), and Bob Nightengale (USA Today)—have all named the same team as the favorite to sign Soto. Let’s dive into why these three experts may be converging on this one team as the most likely landing spot for Soto.
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Part 1: Soto’s Market Value and Appeal
Before we dive into the reasons why this particular team is the favorite to sign Soto, it’s essential to understand just how valuable Soto is on the open market.
Offensive Prowess
Soto’s statistics speak for themselves. He has already established himself as one of the premier hitters in baseball, finishing top-10 in MVP voting multiple times. Even during seasons when the Padres have struggled, Soto has consistently put up impressive numbers. For example, in 2023, he posted a .271/.401/.533 slash line with 35 home runs and 109 RBIs, all while maintaining his patience at the plate and drawing over 100 walks. His combination of on-base percentage and power makes him a highly sought-after commodity for any team in need of an offensive boost.
Age and Long-Term Value
Soto, still in his mid-20s, is entering his prime years and is expected to be a centerpiece of any franchise for the next decade or more. This makes him incredibly appealing to both small-market teams looking for a long-term solution and large-market teams hoping to secure a superstar for the future.
Defensive and Positional Flexibility
While Soto’s defensive metrics have not been stellar, he’s still considered an average outfielder with the ability to play any of the three outfield spots. Teams value positional flexibility, and Soto’s ability to fill multiple roles is an asset. Additionally, as an offensive juggernaut, his bat outweighs his defensive shortcomings.
Given his skill set and potential, it’s no surprise that MLB insiders have predicted several high-profile teams to make a push for him when he reaches free agency.
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Part 2: Why the Team to Beat Is This One
Now, let’s focus on why three of the most respected insiders in the industry are all identifying the same favorite to land Juan Soto.
Insider 1: Ken Rosenthal (The Athletic)
Ken Rosenthal is known for his deep connections throughout MLB, and when he identifies a potential favorite for a player of Soto’s caliber, his analysis is worth noting.
In his reports, Rosenthal has pointed to the New York Yankees as the clear frontrunner to sign Soto. This makes sense for several reasons:
1. Financial Flexibility: The Yankees are one of the wealthiest teams in MLB, and they have the financial resources to commit to a long-term deal with Soto. New York’s front office has historically been willing to spend big on marquee players, and Soto represents exactly the kind of star the Yankees would be interested in adding to their roster.
2. Desire for a Superstar: The Yankees have been searching for another true superstar since the days of Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, and Alex Rodriguez. While Aaron Judge has filled that role in recent years, the Yankees are still in need of another player to complement Judge’s power in the lineup. Soto’s left-handed bat and ability to hit for both average and power would be a perfect fit in Yankee Stadium, especially given its short right-field porch.
3. Competitive Window: The Yankees are still in “win-now” mode, having built a strong team around Judge, Gerrit Cole, and other key players. Adding Soto would solidify their status as a legitimate contender for years to come. Additionally, with some of their aging players like Giancarlo Stanton and Carlos Rodón on the decline, adding a young superstar like Soto would give the Yankees a new face for their franchise moving forward.
Insider 2: Jon Heyman (New York Post)
Jon Heyman’s reporting often emphasizes the dynamics of large-market teams, and he too sees the Yankees as the team to watch for Soto. Heyman’s rationale follows a similar line of thought to Rosenthal’s but with some additional emphasis on how the Yankees’ history and tradition play a role in this pursuit.
1. Yankees’ Aggressive Nature: Heyman points out that the Yankees have a long history of making splashy moves to bolster their roster, especially when a generational talent becomes available. They have the means and the mentality to pursue a player like Soto, who could immediately impact the team’s lineup and postseason hopes.
2. New York’s Draw: Beyond financial considerations, New York offers a platform that few other cities can match. The Yankees are not just a team; they are a global brand, and for a player like Soto, the chance to play in the media capital of the world with the Yankees’ storied franchise would be hard to resist.
3. Alignment with Team Needs: From a roster perspective, the Yankees need more consistent offensive production and a true centerpiece in the outfield. Soto fits this mold perfectly, offering both protection for Judge and a dynamic presence in the heart of the lineup.
Insider 3: Bob Nightengale (USA Today)
Bob Nightengale’s insights often focus on how teams approach free-agent decisions in relation to their overall organizational goals. He sees the Yankees as the team to land Soto, with a few additional insights into how the Yankees’ current needs align with Soto’s skill set.
1. The Need for a Left-Handed Bat: Nightengale notes that the Yankees have struggled with left-handed power since the departures of players like Robinson Cano and Curtis Granderson. Soto’s left-handed bat, which thrives in Yankee Stadium, would provide a much-needed balance to a predominantly right-handed lineup.
2. Building for the Future: With Judge locked in for the long term, the Yankees are positioned to add another franchise cornerstone to build around. Soto would not only make the Yankees better in the short term but also provide a solid foundation for the future, something the team has struggled to do in recent years with its aging roster.
3. New York as the Ultimate Stage: As Nightengale mentions, Soto is the kind of player who could thrive under the bright lights of New York. His personality, which is often described as poised and confident, aligns well with the Yankees’ high-pressure environment. While some players flounder in New York, Soto’s maturity and approach would likely make him a natural fit for one of MLB’s most iconic franchises.
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Part 3: Potential Roadblocks
While the Yankees are widely considered the favorite to sign Soto, there are some roadblocks to consider:
1. The Padres’ Effort to Extend Soto
The San Diego Padres have already expressed interest in extending Soto, and they have a strong financial backing from ownership. While it may seem unlikely for them to lock up Soto long-term given their crowded payroll and recent financial decisions, the Padres will undoubtedly do everything in their power to retain one of their most valuable assets.
2. Other Interested Teams
While the Yankees are the frontrunners, there are other potential suitors for Soto. Teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Mets, and Chicago Cubs may also make a run at the outfielder, depending on how their rosters and payrolls shake out in the coming years.
3. Soto’s Personal Preferences
Soto’s eventual decision will also depend on his personal preferences. Does he want to play in a large market like New York, or would he prefer to remain
