Everything is going well for the Bronx’s Juan Soto, who is having another MVP-caliber season in front of rabid fans and sold-out crowds.
But the question remains: Can he be a one-year player for the Yankees?
Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner has made clear his interest in keeping Soto long-term.
Of course, there are no guarantees in free agency, especially when it comes to a 25-year-old “generational” talent.
Last winter, nearly every big-city team was looking to cash in on a rare opportunity to acquire 25-year-old Japanese star Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
So while the Yankees and Mets are the early favorites from here, don’t expect it to be just a city skirmish.
Here are the most likely landing spots (with actual odds):
1. Yankees
Soto seems to like everything about it, including the roll call. The comfort, the tradition, the location, the sponsorship possibilities, and lineup mate Aaron Judge are an added plus. They signed two record contracts, with Judge staying for less than San Francisco and San Diego were negotiating. But with a $200 million-plus contract already in place through 2025, they’ll almost certainly be hit with the 110 percent tax again.
Odds: $500
2. Mets
Steve Cohen gives them an edge and they have a strategy in place to clear payroll due to expiring contracts, but they may need to significantly outbid their in-town rivals.
Odds: 5-1
3. Dodgers
Are there any restrictions?
Odds: 15-1
4. Giants
They have expressed interest in trading for Soto and have been trying to acquire a big-time star at the position for years. Would a pitcher-friendly ballpark be a sticking point for a deal?
Odds: 20-1
5. Jays
They tried to acquire Soto in a trade and owed him to the fans.
Odds: 25-1
6. Phillies
Owner John Middleton wants to win.
Odds: 30-1
7. Red Sox
They have plenty of loot left, right?
Odds: 35-1
8. Cubs:
I’ve never been a big spender.
Odds: 40-1
9. Nationals
That’s nice, but owner Mark Lerner doesn’t embrace it the way his father, Ted, did.
Odds: 50-1
10. Padres
They would probably be even more highly rated if their beloved owner, Peter Seidler, were alive today.
Odds: 100-1
11. Field (sometimes called the “mystery team”)
The Mariners can use their offense and spoils. It seems like a stretch to predict other teams, but no one predicted the Rangers and A-Rod.
Odds: 17-1
