Remember the day Shohei Ohtani shocked the sports world with his $700 million megadeal? It felt untouchable, a record for the ages. But now, just a year later, it’s Yankees’ right fielder Juan Soto who’s setting his sights on surpassing that legendary contract. With a .286 average and a .746 OPS this postseason, Soto’s star keeps rising, and analysts are already predicting he could be MLB’s next record-breaker. The big buzz? A projected 15-year, $701 million deal with the Yankees, as estimated by Baseball America’s Eli Ben-Porat. Just $1 million more than Ohtani’s contract—but enough to flip the baseball world upside down.
At only 25, Soto has racked up five seasons with a WAR above 5 since debuting in 2018, missing that mark only as a rookie and in the shortened 2020 season. His consistent performance, especially in the postseason, has fueled speculation that his value might soar to record-shattering heights. And while he’s shown nothing but loyalty to the Yankees, Soto’s kept his plans close to the chest, letting his performance do the talking. Even Yankees diehards are feeling the suspense, as whispers of the New York Mets and San Francisco Giants vying for Soto have only added fuel to the fire.
And these aren’t just empty rumors—the Mets are equally stacked with cash and just as determined, eyeing Soto as the final piece to a powerhouse lineup. Meanwhile, the Giants, looking to revamp with Buster Posey’s leadership, see Soto as a golden opportunity for a new era in the Bay Area. As Posey himself hinted, the Giants are in the business of creating memories, and signing Soto would be their biggest move in a decade.
But can Soto really break the $700 million mark, or is this just Boras-driven hype? Soto’s agent, Scott Boras, known for his knack in securing historic deals, must be thrilled with his client’s perfect timing. And if history tells us anything, Boras is far from done pushing that $701 million figure. Yankees fans are holding their breath, hoping Soto stays put. But the question remains: is Soto worth topping Ohtani’s record, or are these numbers pure offseason hype? Drop your thoughts below—where do you see Soto suiting up next season?
