While the New York Yankees and Juan Soto talks have stalled currently, chances are they’d start again soon. The primary concern at this moment is the impending uncertainty about what will transpire next year when the slugger is set to enter free agency. One of the biggest reasons why not many teams have gone into the Soto trade talk is his reluctance to sign an extension. This could be due to the Scott Boras master plan.

While the superstar agent is without a doubt looking at a huge payday for Soto, this will spell a massive hurdle for any team trading him this year. The pressure to regain him next year, coupled with high costs, worries the entire league.

The impending free agency of Juan Soto poses a significant challenge

Though the Yankees and Toronto Blue Jays are willing to trade Soto even after his $30 million plus salary, there is a challenge awaiting them. Giving up $30 million this year only to bid again next year is a tough ask. Especially when it is almost certain that Scott Boras will look to get a vast deal for Soto.

Juan Soto has already rejected a $440 million offer from the Washington Nationals. The reason was low AAV with an exorbitant amount of back load. The Dominican slugger’s agent knows he has a Pandora’s box with him. So, he’s doing everything he can to increase the value of his contract. Joel Sherman of the New York Post alluded to this in his recent article.

Sherman wrote, “And, remember, Soto-Boras already rejected a 15-year, $440 million overture from the Nationals. And as one AL executive said, “Everyone knows where Scott built the bar, and it is not going to go lower.” Most executives expect that the ultimate figure for Soto could potentially rival some of the biggest that sport has ever seen.

The bigger point of worry for teams also remains the fact that Soto could go to their direct rivals in free agency. As Sherman wrote, if the Yankees get Soto this year, Boras can just talk to Cohen and the Mets and will suddenly hold all leverage in his dealings with both New York teams. Many possible scenarios can occur.

What could be the possible end of this saga?

Other teams can also emerge in his trade talks once Shohei Ohtani makes his decision. The Yankees could even bow out as they’re already talking to Cody Bellinger. This way, the Pinstripes can focus more on his free agency without spending valuable funds on him right now.

While this seems like a possible scenario, the chances seem less due to the Yankees’ heavy need for an outfielder. The fans too wouldn’t like it if the Yankees do not bring in a marquee player to their squad. 

Read more: Yankees’ Juan Soto Trade Talks Stall, Padres Demand Shocking Return Despite Diminishing Market

Endless speculations surround the situation, leaving one to ponder how it will ultimately unfold.

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