Juan Soto took a massive risk when he rejected $440 million from the Washington Nationals in 2022. But gradually it became obvious that he was looking for a contract that’s rarely seen in baseball. Now, after the market has been reset due to Shohei Ohtani’s $700 million, just how high will Soto’s free agency go following the 2024 season?

Although Soto isn’t a two-way phenom like Shohei Ohtani, at just 25, he’s already one of the best players in the world. The Dominican slugger is filled with potential and his strong marketability can turn him into one of the biggest free agents that the sport has ever seen. With such high expectations, will the Yankees have what it takes to extend Soto’s stay beyond 2024?

Juan Soto – A once-in-a-generation talent?

The Athletic’s Tim Britton valued “the first five years of a Soto contract at $50 million each and his age-31 through age-39 seasons at 80 percent of Judge, or $32 million.” Combining both components results in a 14-year deal valued at approximately $540 million in free agency. Should the Yankees pursue an extension, factoring in Soto’s anticipated $33 million salary for 2024 could push the figure closer to a 15-year arrangement worth $575 million, per Tim.

Undoubtedly, Soto will be easily crossing Aaron Judge’s contract with the Bronx Bombers. The actual question is, will his AAV be more than Judge as well? Currently, All Rise earns $40 million per year, making him the highest earner in the Yankees squad. Can Soto cross that number?

The interesting thing about Soto is that he’s only 25. The Yankees captain had his rookie year at this age, while Soto is getting a salary of around $33 million right now. As a result, there is a chance that he will sign a very long-term contract. So, even if he signs over $500 million contract for 13 years, his AAV would be $38 million. Perhaps this is what the Yankees would try to do.

Read more: Aaron Judge Gets $40 Million – Will Juan Soto Surpass That in an Extension or Will the Yankees Look Another Way?

If the Pinstripes manage to sign him for a 13-14-year contract, they’d be able to keep his AAV manageable. This is necessary, as they have been crossing taxation thresholds consistently and the penalties get harsher with each passing year. The question then arises, how can the Yankees afford Soto?

The Payroll issue of the Yankees

The Bronx Bombers will have to remove some players from the squad, namely, Giancarlo Stanton. The hitter is set to earn $32 million in 2024 and 2025 and hasn’t played more than 110 games in any season, barring his first three wearing pinstripes. This becomes especially necessary if they manage to get Yoshinobu Yamamoto in their squad as well. Otherwise, there will be too much pressure on their payroll to afford Soto.

They will have to make some tough decisions if they want Soto for longer than a year in their team. Well, Juan Soto’s free agency will make next year quite fun.

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