If you want to be the World Series favorite next year, your key – Juan Soto. Ever since his run at the New York Yankees, the question is—where is he headed next? He is young, a four-time all-star, and a silver slugger. Plus, he performed to the clutch during the World Series run. He, along with Giancarlo Stanton, carried the Yankees forward when Aaron Judge fell into a slump. Everyone wants him, but according to the executives at the general managers’ meeting, this showdown has New York written all over it.

This might come as a major blow to some of the other teams that want him. From the Giants, the Nationals will probably want to dip their toes into the mix. To the serious contenders like the Phillies and Dodgers, who seem to have deep pockets. While the Phillies have players who are personally connected with Soto, the Dodgers have the money. But there is a little birdie saying, Soto just prefers staying with the Yankees.

Where might Juan Soto finally end up? Not Dodgers!

The Dodgers have dominated this year and have done so through their big spending and their player development. They splurged big time on Shohei Ohtani and even Yoshinobu Yamamoto. And they clinched the World Series title. Plus, they still have the money to spend on better players. How? Well, most of Ohtani’s money is deferred, so the team is ‘flexible.’ Hence, it’s no surprise that rumors about them moving to Juan Soto and spending the $600 million are making the rounds.

The Dodgers shot for the stars last season and were rewarded with a championship title. So, what makes one think—they won’t do it again this season? But things might not be as straight-cut as they seem, MLB insider Mark Fiensand says Soto wants to remain on the East Coast: “Word is that Soto prefers to stay on the East Coast, which would be an obstacle for the Dodgers or any other West Coast club.”

“It’s the Yankees or the Mets. He knows the Yankees well after spending a year there, and Steve Cohen has enough money to give him whatever he wants if he decides he wants him badly enough. It’s tough for me to see Soto winding up anywhere else,” one American League executive added. But one more team is also there.

The Phillies will probably also take a shot at the four-time All-Star, according to a source, pinning their hopes on the presence of former Nationals teammates Bryce Harper, Trea Turner, and Kyle Schwarber and hitting coach Kevin Long could work to their advantage. But Soto had a fruitful time with the Yankees in 2024, helping them advance to the World Series in his first and only season in pinstripes.

In the Bronx, Soto posted MVP-type numbers, forming a smashing 1-2 punch with Aaron Judge that led the Yankees to the AL East title and a run to the World Series. The Yankees’ payroll was north of $300 million this season. But they have more than $80 million coming off the books this offseason. Will the Yankees pay Soto $50 million or more per season when they’re already spending $40 million a year on Judge? When money matters, the Mets become a strong contender.

The team across town that will probably try to bring him back to the National League East. Owner Steve Cohen has the means to pay Soto whatever he wants. So, if president of baseball operations David Stearns thinks Soto is the missing piece for a club that reached the NLCS, the Mets might come up as the biggest threat to Soto’s return to the Yankees.

According to popular belief, 10 years and $500 million will be the floor for Soto’s deal. But the bidding war might take that to $600 million or beyond. “Does Soto want to continue hitting in front of [Aaron] Judge or does he want the most money? Unless the Mets absolutely blow the Yankees’ offer out of the water, why would he leave [the Yankees]?” an AL executive who predicted Soto would stay with the Yankees argued.

Yankees GM Brian Cashman told Scott Boras on Monday that the Yankees were ready to meet with Soto as many times as he wanted to if he felt such meetings were necessary. “He knows how we feel. After the season, I had a chance to thank him for everything and told him we’d be in touch. Since that time, I’ve talked to Scott, as well. He’ll get a feel for the dance steps that Juan Soto wants and he’ll keep us in the loop,” Cashman said. So what is it that makes Soto so much desirable?

Soto’s offensive profile is as good as any hitter in the game. He slashed .288/.419/.569 in the regular season with 41 home runs and a 178 wRC+. But there are pain points about his defense. Soto posted -5 outs above average in 2024 (14th percentile), giving him a -28 mark for his career. His baserunning is also below average. But his offensive prowess covers it up all.

Being an excellent contact hitter who can drive in runs for his team, his projected half-billion-dollar asking price looks justifiable for a team that intends to compete with him in the middle of the lineup. And with that, he is probably the second-highest-paid player behind Ohtani. Having said all, his connection to the Northeast could itself could outbid all suitors. It could keep him in the Big Apple!

Juan Soto’s family ties could lead him to the Yankees

Juan Soto is playing it cool during his free agency. But we think his dad didn’t get the memo about keeping quiet. According to Soto’s dad, the star outfielder has said repeatedly that he loved New York, and being a Yankee. Soto, anyway, has given no hints about what his next moves are going to be. He only gave a hint that he was open to listening to every team, but according to ESPN Jorge Castillo, for Soto, winning is the priority. And given that, the Yankee seems to be the top pick for him. They did reach the fall classic and even fit the east-coast theory.

Plus, no one can deny that there is a certain prestige when it comes to wearing the Yankee jersey. It’s a team that most people, even outside the country, recognize. Plus, Juan Soto’s family loves the Yankees. Also, Juan loves the Yanks, “I’ve been really happy. If I’m here or not, I’ve been really happy for the teammates that I have and the people that I get to know. This was a really special group, but at the end of the day, we will see what’s going to happen.”

Meanwhile, Yanks are in no way stingy; they just need to stitch together a lucrative offer, taking into account the family’s love for the uniform and for tradition in New York. Money does play a crucial factor, not just because Scott Boras is his agent. But it’s known that the Dominican does want a lucrative deal. What do you think will happen? Let us know your thoughts.