This season gave us plenty to talk about whether it’s Aaron Judge’s heroics, or Shohei Ohtani doing the unthinkable. The MVP talks, the record-breaking stats, and more took center stage. But amongst it all, one talk that didn’t leave the lips of fans and media alike was Juan Soto and his impending free agency. And even before Soto’s stellar go-ahead homer in the 10th inning of the ALCS of Game 5, there were talks that he was going to be the highest-paid player in MLB. 

Talks about how Juan Soto, who is one of the key additions to the Yankee lineup, would break Ohtani’s contract record of $700 million once he enters free agency have been making the rounds. After all, Soto has been phenomenal this season. And while Aaron Judge struggled post-season, he carried the Yanks forward. Plus, Soto for the second time in his baseball career, made it to the World Series, and he is just 25! However, not everyone thinks, Soto can break Ohtani’s contract record like the Athletic’s Brittany Ghiroli. 

Brittany Ghiroli doesn’t see Juan Soto’s contract deal surpassing Ohtani’s 

Brittany Ghiroli mentioned that the idea of Juan Soto surpassing Shohei Ohtani’s $700 million deal, seems like a ‘pipe dream.’ For her, unless the Dominican is willing to take up heavy deferrals like Shohei did with the LA Dodgers, such a big deal might not be impossible to get for Soto. And well, if you look through Soto’s past decisions, leaving money on the table for other players, doesn’t seem to be an idea he relates to.

Back before Juan Soto was traded to the Padres, Soto had turned down the whopping offer of $440 million for 15 years by the Nationals. This was because most of it was deferred! So, it is unlikely that Soto would opt to go Ohtani’s way and settle for a huge sum to be paid later. This is what Ghiroli, seems to be indicating when she says a ‘pipe dream’ for Soto and a plausible gigantic deal.

Ohtani’s deal is officially worth $700 million for over 10 years. But out of it $680 million is deferred after the contract ends. Ohtani will be paid $68 million annually, from 2034 to 2043. And even though Ohtani has deferrals, his contract’s value is still at $46 million per season—the highest in the history of MLB. Soto is likely going to be the next top earner to Ohtani in terms of total value and annual salary. So given Juan Soto’s stellar season and his age the projected deal is upwards of $500 million.

Soto’s and Ohtani’s blast from the past!

Juan Soto and Shohei Ohtani will face off in the World Series. But not really head-to-head – Shohei Ohtani is not pitching this season due to his injury and his surgery, the much-anticipated face-off between Soto’s bat and Ohtani’s arm won’t be seen. However, they both did meet on the mound, back in 2022. When Soto was with the San Diego Padres and Ohtani with the Los Angeles Angels. And back then Soto made bold claims, before the game.

“We all know he’s an impressive player, but whenever he steps on that mound, I won’t be scared to shuffle his a**,” said Juan Soto on Shohei Ohtani. Plus, Soto even predicted that Ohtani might struggle against the Padres. However, Ohtani proved Soto wrong and came out on top; Soto struck out twice the room, showing that Ohtani was ready for a challenge. 

Now, two years later, the duo will meet again. Both are in new teams after having had a standout regular season. Ohtani is on track for getting another MVP title, with a historic 50-50 record. And Juan Soto, being the perfect addition to the New York Yankee lineup, is a great partner for Judge. 

So, do you think this time Soto can stand by his words of the past? Let us know if you think so in the comments.