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HomeechofreezoneHandicapping the Juan Soto sweepstakes: Where Yankees, Mets stand

Handicapping the Juan Soto sweepstakes: Where Yankees, Mets stand



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.

Juan Soto will become a very rich man this offseason. Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

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):

1. Yankees

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

Hal Steinbrenner has said he would like to retain Juan Soto. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post

2. Mets

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

3. Dodgers

Are there limits?

Odds: 15-1

Steve Cohen has shown that he’s willing to pay for elite talent. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post

4. Giants

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

5. Jays

They tried for Soto in trade and “owe” fans.

Odds: 25-1

6. Phillies

Owner John Middleton wants to win.

Odds: 30-1

7. Red Sox

They have a lot of loot left over, no?

Odds: 35-1

8. Cubs:

Not exactly big spenders.

Odds: 40-1

9. Nationals

Would be nice, but owner Mark Lerner doesn’t go for it like father Ted.

Odds: 50-1

10. Padres

Had their beloved owner Peter Seidler lived, they’d be much higher.

Odds: 100-1

11. Field (sometimes called “mystery team”)

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

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