Ken Rosenthal believes that Juan Soto will go to the highest bidder in free agency

Juan Soto is set to hit free agency this offseason, and it’s shaping up to be one of the biggest sweepstakes in recent memory.

While it seems almost unthinkable that the Yankees—a franchise synonymous with shelling out cash for superstars—would let him walk, they’ll face stiff competition.

A few months back, Bob Nightengale of USA Today, stated that at least five teams are expected to make a run at Soto: the Yankees, Phillies, Blue Jays, Mets, and Giants.

Report: Phillies listed as 1 of 5 teams that are expected to make a push for Juan Soto this offseason >>

Juan Soto ALCS Home Run in the 10th:

JUAN SOTO THREE RUN HOME RUN IN THE 10TH!!!!!!!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/Tj4b5CuM4T

— Talkin' Yanks (@TalkinYanks) October 20, 2024

Ken Rosenthal recently chimed in on Fair Territory, offering his own thoughts on Soto’s impending free agency.

Ken Rosenthal: Soto will likely go to highest bidder in free agency

“I see Juan Soto going to the highest bidder” – @Ken_Rosenthal on latest episode of Fair Territory

What are you willing to give, excluding limbs, Juan Soto to get him in Philadelphia?pic.twitter.com/zssCqbaHGz

— 𝐾𝑦𝑙𝑒𝑒 シ (@BSP_Sully) October 23, 2024

“I see Juan Soto going for the highest offer,” Rosenthal said. “He’s been pointing toward this moment for years. Remember, he turned down $440 million over 15 years from the Nationals—great guarantee, but not great AAV.”

Now, with a chance to set a new benchmark, Rosenthal believes Soto will aim for a deal that beats Shohei Ohtani’s $50 million annual average value. That’s why you’re hearing potential numbers like $500 million or even $600 million.

Spotrac’s projected free-agency market value for Juan Soto is 14-years $513.6M.

14 YEARS

$513.6 MILLION pic.twitter.com/19dbM5kl0L

— MLB Deadline News (@MLBDeadlineNews) October 22, 2024

Absolute steal, in my opinion.

So, who’s going to win the Juan Soto sweepstakes?

Rosenthal sees the Mets as the Yankees’ biggest threat. “If Steve Cohen really wants Soto, is he going to get outbid by Hal Steinbrenner? I’d tend to doubt it,” Rosenthal said.

It’s a scenario that could shake the Yankees’ reputation as baseball’s biggest spender, especially if their crosstown rivals steal one of the game’s brightest stars. And if the Yankees lose Soto to the Mets, the ghost of George Steinbrenner might just come back to haunt Hal.

While the Yankees have a unique selling point—Soto’s off-field earning potential in New York—there’s one big flaw with that pitch. The Mets are also in New York, so the earning potential argument doesn’t quite hold up when they’re the chief competition. If it comes down to a bidding war, the decision could be based purely on dollars, not exposure.

Meanwhile, Phillies fans are holding onto hope that John Middleton will make a serious run at Soto. A reunion with Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber, Trea Turner and hitting coach Kevin Long could be intriguing for Soto, and at the very least, the Phillies’ involvement could drive up the contract total.

That’s the kind of thing that would make Soto’s agent, Scott Boras, smile from ear to ear.

Plus, it might leave the Yankees and Mets less able to pursue other future free agents the Phillies might target.

At the moment, Soto in a Yankees uniform next year still seems like the most likely outcome. But the question is whether there’s a number that would make Steinbrenner back down.

It’s tough to imagine, considering his father’s legacy, but with billionaire owners like Steve Cohen and aggressive spenders like John Middleton in the mix, it’s worth finding out just how high the Yankees will go.

This offseason could redefine baseball’s biggest power players, and the battle for Soto might just be the tipping point.

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