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Juan Soto’s first season in New York saw him compile career highs in hits (163), runs (126), home runs (41), and total bases (325).
It was one of the best seasons of his seven-year career and one that will have contending teams with loads of money, and a need for a right fielder, looking to sign him.
The incumbent Yankees are the most obvious fit based on what we have seen out of the one-two punch that he and Aaron Judge provide the team. The Bronx Bombers regained the AL East title in 2024 and are one of the favorites to win the league pennant.
The cross-town Mets should also be considered players for Soto as they look to build on an extraordinary turnaround this season. Adding his bat would give even more pop to an offense that can score runs early and often, while there is room for him in the outfield alongside Brandon Nimmo.
The questions surrounding the other notable outfielder, Starling Marte, and the knee injury that sidelined and slowed him down in the outfield upon his return only enhance the benefit of Soto.
The San Francisco Giants have been mired in mediocrity since their last World Series victory in 2014 and adding Soto would not only convince the fans that the team is all-in on winning but also give that squad the face of the franchise it needs and the star it can build around.
The Philadelphia Phillies are almost always players when it comes to a big-time free agent, and Soto’s bat in that lineup would only further establish the NL East champs’ offense as the most explosive in the game.
At just 26 years old and already reaching free agency, Soto will be in play for nearly every team in baseball with enough cash to get the deal done. He is a generational player who has finished in the top 10 in MVP voting four times in his seven seasons and is a four-time silver slugger.
Contenders will be champing at the bit to add him to their roster, but it feels like a contest that comes down to two organizations, both of which call the Big Apple home.
The Yankees want him back, Soto would like to go back, but could Hal Steinbrenner be outbid by Steve Cohen and the Mets, who are looking to take that step back into World Series contention?