New York Yankees All-Star Juan Soto has already played with the reigning American League MVP, but if given the choice, he would like to play with another one in his career.
Soto was among a star-studded group during MLB All-Star media availability on Monday in Arlington, Texas. After a reporter mentioned that LeBron James and Stephen Curry will be playing on the same team for the first time this summer, Soto was asked which MLB player he would like to play on the same team with someday.
After a moment’s thought, he knew the answer.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
New York Yankees No. 22 Juan Soto speaks to the media during Gatorade All-Star Workout Day at Globe Life Field on July 15, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. (Jean Wang/Getty Images)
“[Shohei] Ohtani is probably one of the best players. He went to the National League and I went to the American League, so it’s a little bit difficult, but Ohtani is definitely one of them.”
Soto was traded from the San Diego Padres to the Yankees this offseason, while Ohtani signed a massive $700 million contract to spend the next 10 years with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Red Sox’s Rafael Devers smashes home run into Fenway Park stands
But the bigger question for Soto is his impending free agency, which has many wondering where the 25-year-old slugger will land after the 2024 season.
Of course, Yankees fans don’t want to think about Soto leaving the Bronx anytime soon, as the Yankees are gunning for a postseason berth and Soto’s current cohort, reigning AL MVP Aaron Judge, is on track to win the award again.
As a client of Scott Boras, he currently has the ability to sign him, but at this point it’s almost certain that Soto will try out as a free agent before returning to pinstripes.
Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (right) talks with interpreter Ippei Mizuhara during the top of the ninth inning of the season opener against the San Diego Padres at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, March 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)
Would the Dodgers be willing to pay an even bigger contract for an MLB All-Star? They already have Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, Mookie Betts and many others on their payroll. “La La Land” is blessed with the best talent in baseball, and their record speaks for itself.
But despite Ohtani’s huge contract, the Dodgers’ total salary is the sixth-highest in MLB due to contract terms and conditions, while the Yankees are second and the other team rumored to be in hot pursuit of Soto, the New York Mets, are the highest in the league.
Soto seems to be enjoying himself with the Yankees, who have struggled lately since entering the All-Star break. Soto certainly wants to make money and will likely get a big contract wherever he goes, but he also wants to build up his trophy case. He already has a World Series championship ring with the Washington Nationals.
New York Yankees’ No. 22 Juan Soto hits a home run in the fifth inning against the Chicago White Sox at Yankee Stadium on May 18, 2024 in New York City. (Mike Staub/Getty Images)
Click here to get the FOX News app
Time will tell where he lands, but the mention of Ohtani may have him looking to the West Coast again.
Follow Fox News Digital X’s sports coverage,subscribe Fox News Sports Huddle Newsletter.
