MLB Execs Predict Juan Soto Signs $600-Plus Million Deal With AL Team

The crown jewel of this winter's MLB free agency is outfielder Juan Soto. After helping the New York Yankees reach the World Series for the first time since 2009, he's listening to sales pitches from several big-market teams before deciding on his next home. Can general manager Brian Cashman convince Soto that staying in the Bronx for the next decade-plus is the best move? And if he's able to do so, how much money will it take to retain the 26-year-old left-handed slugger? Contract projections are now consistently surpassing the $600 million mark. The Athletic's Tim Britton projected Soto's next deal at 13 years and $611 million. The outfielder certainly helped his cause with a huge 2024 for the Bombers. He hit .288/.419/.569 with 41 home runs, 109 RBI and 128 runs scored in 713 plate appearances. Baseball-Reference valued his performance at 7.9 WAR (a new career-high mark) and he was named one of three American League MVP Award finalists. LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 26: Juan Soto #22 of the New York Yankees hits a home run off a pitch from Yoshinobu Yamamoto #18 (not pictured) of the Los Angeles Dodgers in the third... LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 26: Juan Soto #22 of the New York Yankees hits a home run off a pitch from Yoshinobu Yamamoto #18 (not pictured) of the Los Angeles Dodgers in the third inning during Game Two of the 2024 World Series at Dodger Stadium on October 26, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. ESPN's Jesse Rogers polled 18 MLB executives and insiders to get their perspective on what will happen this winter for a handful of situations. Obviously, the first question was focused on Soto, with the hottest topics including where he'll sign and for how much. The majority ruled decisively for both questions – 11 of 18 people said he'll sign a deal richer than $600 million while 12 of 18 said it'll be with the Yankees. The New York Mets (four) and Toronto Blue Jays (two) also received votes. "Do you think George Steinbrenner would allow one of the best players in the world to leave?" one executive said to Rogers. "I know the Dodgers are the new Yankees, but he's in pinstripes now." "I think Brian Cashman will show ownership just how valuable he is to their lineup," said another executive. Soto staying in the Bronx makes the most sense from the standpoint of how he fits on a team. However, it'll be interesting to see how hard the Mets (or any other interested team) make it for the outfielder to make his ultimate decision. More MLB: Yankees' $60 Million Juan Soto Backup Plan Could Have One Major Flaw