Everything’s going great for Juan Soto in the Bronx, as Soto is putting together yet another MVP-type season before adoring, often sellout crowds.
But the question remains: Could he be a one-and-done Yankee?
Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner has made clear their interest in keeping Soto long-term.
Of course, there are no guarantees in free agency, especially when it comes to a “generational” talent who’s 25.
Just about every big-market team was in for the rare chance at a 25-year-old star — Japanese star Yoshinobu Yamamoto — last winter.
So don’t think it’ll be only an intracity skirmish — although the Yankees and Mets are the early favorites from here.
Here are the likeliest landing spots (with actual odds):
Soto seems to love it all, including the roll call. The comfort, tradition, location, endorsement potential and lineup mate Aaron Judge are even bigger pluses. They’ve signed two record deals, though Judge stayed for less than San Francisco or San Diego were talking. But with $200M-plus already under contract for 2025, they will almost surely be in 110-percent tax territory again.
Odds: Even money
Steve Cohen provides their edge and they’ve strategized to clear payroll via expiring contracts. But they might need to significantly outbid their crosstown rival.
Odds: 5-1
Are there limits?
Odds: 15-1
They showed interest in a Soto trade, and they’ve been trying to land a big positional star for years. Is a pitchers’ park a dealbreaker?
Odds: 20-1
They tried for Soto in trade and “owe” fans.
Odds: 25-1
Owner John Middleton wants to win.
Odds: 30-1
They have a lot of loot left over, no?
Odds: 35-1
Not exactly big spenders.
Odds: 40-1
Would be nice, but owner Mark Lerner doesn’t go for it like father Ted.
Odds: 50-1
Had their beloved owner Peter Seidler lived, they’d be much higher.
Odds: 100-1
The Mariners could use offense and have loot. Anyone else seems like a stretch but no one predicted the Rangers and A-Rod.
Odds: 17-1