Amidst $625 Million Decision, Juan Soto Receives a Surprising Option If He Chooses to Leave New York Yankees

Chris “Mad Dog” Russo, the fiery voice of sports talk radio, believes the best five MLB teams to have a shot at the title this year are the Philadelphia Phillies, New York Yankees, Baltimore Orioles, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Atlanta Braves. “Everybody else is, you know, eh, okay,” Russo quipped on “The Rich Eisen Show.” For Yankees outfielder Juan Soto, that “eh, okay” category could hold a golden ticket worth far more than ‘okay’ money.

Soto, the prodigious 25-year-old slugger, is the apple of every team’s eye. Since joining the Bombers in a blockbuster trade last December, he’s been on fire, slashing .309/.408/.539 with 11 home runs and 37 RBIs, further solidifying his status as one of the game’s elite hitters. But Russo pointed to a surprising suitor amidst the predictable Yankee contract drama: the Chicago Cubs. “They have plenty of money. They need a big star. Wrigley Field is a great place to play,” he reasoned.

But is Wrigley a realistic destination for Soto? The Cubs’ last pursuit of Shohei Ohtani, where they reportedly balked at a $700 million offer, suggests financial prudence. However, a window opens with Cody Bellinger’s potential opt-out and Kyle Hendricks’ free agency, freeing up nearly $45 million in 2025. That’s Soto money. Meanwhile, in the Bronx, contract extension talks are a stalemate.

Juan Soto, currently playing on a one-year, $31 million deal, has rebuffed seven offers, including one north of $400 million. MLB insider Jon Heyman claims his goal is simple: hit free agency, thanks to Scott Boras. He’s having another MVP-caliber year, and a half-billion-dollar payday could await.

The Yankees, however, have quite a few cards to play. Their projected 2025 payroll could easily absorb a megadeal for Soto. But would they pay for it? MLB Network’s “MLB Tonight” panel recently tossed around figures like 12 years, $540 million, or even $625 million for Soto. Yet, analyst Harold Reynolds scoffed, predicting no extension. “If he’s getting $600 million in May, imagine what he’d get in December or February.”

“The Mets—Cohen’s got more money than anybody, and they’re a bad team. I would not be surprised,” Russo thoughtfully mentioned, highlighting another possible landing spot for Soto if he leaves the Yankees. Steve Cohen, the billionaire owner of Queens, has a habit of spending big, and Soto could be the centerpiece of a new-look Mets lineup.

The key to stealing Juan Soto from New York

What makes the Cubs appealing is their historic franchise, loyal fanbase, and being able to become the face of a rising organization. “The Red Sox would always be in play; you can think about that too,” said Russo, bringing up another team with history behind them. Boston’s left field could also serve as an attractive option for Soto.

“I would think one of those five (Phillies, Yankees, Orioles, Dodgers, Atlanta) will win a championship, and if you’re Juan Soto, you can go to the Cubs,” Russo said, referring to how close that team is to winning it all. The idea of taking the Cubs back to the Fall Classic—something they haven’t done since 2016—could be enough to push Soto.

Chicago’s pursuit ultimately comes down to financial boldness. Can they offer a deal that not only rivals the Yankees’ but also convinces Soto that Wrigleyville is where he should be? It’s a long shot, but strange things have happened; as Russo stated, “Baseball is unpredictable.”

For Juan Soto, the choice is clear: either choose Yankee security or embark on a new adventure. A $625 million question mark hangs over New York, while the Windy City, the Big Apple, or even Beantown whispers of a fresh start, a passionate fanbase, and perhaps a legacy forged under iconic lights.