SAN ANTONIO — Seven teams are known to have called up Juan Soto, including the currently homeless Tampa Bay Rays, but in a big surprise, the other six all have big salaries. A much better shot than the Rays, who are a major market team and are probably amazing.
For now, Tampa has to be considered a far distant seventh on the list, as it's hard to imagine competing with baseball's biggest market, which starts with both teams in New York and isn't likely to end there. No.
Rumor has it that two more small or mid-market teams are interested, so one mystery is revealed, but another team that could fetch nearly $700 million for the player There is also.
Here are seven of those great teams (and there are apparently at least four more we don't know about yet (including teams from major markets).
1. Yankees: The current team is full of upside, as Soto appeared to enjoy his year in the Bronx. But they aren't the kind of team to write a blank check, so the door could be open to other teams, including those eight miles to the south and east.
2. Mets: They are closing in on Soto, who should become a major player thanks to his improved status and owner Steve Cohen's big money (and willingness to spend to win). Top external threats.
3. Dodgers: They play for almost every superstar that comes in for free, so it's no wonder they're interested. But does Soto want to return to the West?
4. Blue Jays: The Yankees view Soto as the second biggest obstacle behind the Mets, as they are skeptical about him going to the West Coast.
5. Red Sox: Rumor has it that they are quietly laying the groundwork to start spending and competing again after years of complete silence. Which would hurt the Yankees more if he went to the Mets or Boston? There are difficult decisions to make.
6. Giant: They are playing under a big star, but they are having a hard time getting hitters in particular. The city is nice, but the ballpark is better for pitchers.
7. Rays: They did make a play for Freddie Freeman, which would probably make four times as much money. This is probably the big hole of this century. At the moment, they don't even have a roof over their heads. “They love chasing good players, but first they need to know where they're playing,” said a source familiar with their thinking.
8. Field: There are believed to be at least four more teams. His old Nationals team likes him, but he's probably too rich for the current Nationals team. The Cubs seem to be focusing on pitching. The remaining four or more are real mysteries.
