With MLB free agency in full swing, superstar Juan Soto is drawing serious interest from some of the league’s biggest franchises. According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, six teams—New York Yankees, New York Mets, Los Angeles Dodgers, Toronto Blue Jays, Boston Red Sox, and San Francisco Giants—have already made contact with Soto’s representatives, potentially positioning themselves for a deal that could reach a staggering $700 million.
These six teams are all known for their substantial market reach, and the Blue Jays’ interest isn’t surprising, as they were among the finalists to sign Shohei Ohtani last year. However, one unexpected suitor has joined the race: the Tampa Bay Rays.
Heyman reports that the Rays, despite having the third-lowest payroll in 2024 at just $88 million, have reached out to Soto’s camp. With Soto projected to command upwards of $50 million annually for a potential 10-year deal, his salary would represent a major investment for the typically budget-conscious Rays. Still, their presence in the early stages of negotiations is noteworthy.
While the Rays may be a longshot compared to bigger market teams, their interest in Soto highlights the significance of his free agency and the growing competition for one of baseball’s top talents.
