Here is the latest news and buzz around Juan SotoFree agency…
November 19, 9:30 p.m.
The Yankees are said to be “encouraged” by their Monday meeting with Juan Soto and his desire to stay in the Bronx.
According to Bob Klapisch of NJ.comthe Yankees left their meeting with Soto’s camp with a positive feeling. The Yankees contingent consisted of Hal Steinbrenner, team president Randy Levingeneral manager Brian Cashman, Aaron Boone and senior advisor Omar Minayaand they all spoke directly to Soto.
Soto reportedly wanted confirmation from Steinbrenner of his commitment to excellence. The 2024 MVP runner-up also reportedly highlighted areas where the Yankees need to improve, and Steinbrenner said there would be improvements to next year’s roster.
The Mets and Steve Cohen are considered the biggest obstacle to a Yankees reunion with Soto, but according to Klapisch, Steinbrenner would be “100 percent committed” to being competitive with Cohen.
Soto’s team has already met with the Red Sox, Blue Jays and Mets, with the Phillies and Dodgers still planning to meet with the superstar outfielder.
November 19, 11:59 a.m.
The Phillies plan to meet with Soto, reports Jon Heyman of the New York Post.
The Mets, Yankees, Red Sox and Blue Jays have already met with Soto, and the Dodgers are expected to sit down with him on Tuesday.
Other teams linked to the star outfielder include the Giants and Rays.
The Phillies currently have an estimated payroll of around $260 million for 2025, taking into account their arbitration-eligible players and before any external additions.
Philadelphia’s payroll is very heavywith $120.2 million committed for four players (Zack Wheeler, Trea Turner, Bryce Harper, Aaron Nola) until 2027.
But the Phillies’ salary commitments drop significantly after 2027, with just $88.63 million currently on the books.
November 18, 7:39 p.m.
Next up in the Soto competition will be the Los Angeles Dodgers who will hold their meeting with the outfielder and his agent. Scott Boras early this week, maybe as early as Tuesday, reports MLB’s Mark Feinsand.
The Dodgers, who don’t need to travel far, will follow both the Mets and Yankees who meet Soto in Los Angeles on Sunday and Monday, respectively.
Los Angeles will be the fifth team to sit down with free agent Soto. That list also includes the Toronto Blue Jays and Boston Red Sox and will surely grow with teams such as the San Francisco Giants, Philadelphia Phillies and Tampa Bay Rays also in the mix, according to Feinsand.
November 18, 9:02 a.m.
The Yankees will make their presentation to Soto and his camp on Monday in California, according to multiple reports.
Their meeting with Soto comes two days after meeting with a Mets contingent including the owner Steve Cohen and President of Baseball Operations David Stearns.
Soto also met with the Red Sox and Blue Jays last week.
It’s unclear whether the Yankees’ meeting with Soto will be the last in-person powwow he has before negotiations for his services intensify.
SNY MLB Insider Andy Martino recently reported that there could be a resolution with Soto before or around the MLB winter meetings, which begin December 9.
Soto, who recently turned 26, is expected to sign a deal that could last up to 14 years and be worth more than $600 million.
November 16, 11:06 a.m.
A day after reports indicated that Boston Red Sox representatives held a “productive” meeting with the free agent, new details have emerged about the three-hour meeting.
Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported that he hears that the owners of the Toronto Red Sox and Blue Jays have made “impressive in-person presentations” to Soto.
Heyman noted that there are still “several team owners” who have yet to make their pitch to the highly sought-after 26-year-old outfielder and will have the opportunity to do so in the coming days.
Toronto’s meeting with Soto — as first reported by ESPN’s Jeff Passan — took place in California this week. The Mets and Yankees have yet to meet with Soto.
November 15, 8:46 a.m.
The Red Sox had a “productive” three-hour meeting with Soto and his representatives Thursday in California, reports MassLive’s Sean McAdam.
According to MassLive, the Boston contingent at the meeting included President Sam Kennedypresident Tom Wernerchief baseball officer Craig Breslowand manager Alex Cora.
During the meeting, the Red Sox played a video showcasing their “star player history from the Dominican Republic” and reviewed their plans for the future, including their highly regarded farm system.
According to MassLive, Soto asked about the team’s “commitment to winning, player evaluation methods, and Fenway Park and its facilities.”
Because the meeting was a get-to-know-you session, no formal offer was made, according to MassLive.
The Red Sox are in the midst of a downturn, with their last winning season coming in 2021. They finished in last place in the AL East in 2022 and 2023, and went 81-81 in 2024, finishing at third place – behind the Yankees and Orioles.
Boston’s future payroll situation is solid, with the team having just over $90 million on hand for 2026, theoretically giving them the flexibility to extend a massive offer to Soto.
November 14, 12:07 p.m.
Old Met Carlos Beltranwho is now special assistant to the president of baseball operations David Stearnsrecently discussed New York’s pursuit of Soto.
“The Mets want to improve the team and there is no doubt that they will go after every player on the open market, knowing that the piece everyone wants is Juan Sotoand the Mets have not ruled out pursuing him fully,” Beltran spoke to Joseph Reboyras about Primera Hora in Spanish.
Beltran also spoke about the dedication and seriousness of the owner Steve Cohenand how it could impact the Soto draw.
“The owner of the Mets is one of the richest in the game and he wants to win,” Beltran said. “When he tells the press that he wants to win, he doesn’t say it to get the fans excited and go to the stadium. Really, it’s something personal for him and I was able to experience it this year being at the stadium. within the team.
Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor visited Los Angeles earlier this week. When approached, he would not confirm or deny whether he was there to attend the Mets’ scheduled meeting with Soto, who is meeting in California with interested clubs.
Beltran discussed the importance of a player like Lindor who could help recruit Soto.
“It’s always important. I think as a free agent, knowing what Lindor did last year and what you know he can do, there’s no question that you want to associate or share your career with players like Lindor,” says Beltrán. “I know he’s an influence and I know Soto will probably think about it. He’s already experienced Judge. Now he has the opportunity to at least listen to Lindor.”
November 13, 9:12 a.m.
The Giants are expected to be among the top suitors for Soto, but they do not yet have a scheduled meeting with him, according to Jayson Stark of The Athletic.
Soto begins taking meetings this week in California, according to multiple reports.
The Blue Jays, Red Sox, Mets and Yankees have meetings scheduled this week, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan.
As for the Giants, they have tried (and failed) to lure big free agents to San Francisco in recent years.
They were in on it Shohei Ohtani last offseason before signing with the Dodgers, and was in discussions with Aaron judges a few offseasons ago before re-signing with the Yankees.
While the Giants have been linked to Soto, Andrew Baggarly of The Athletic reported last week that their offseason was “should be marked by austerity measures” This doesn’t appear to add up to an all-out pursuit of Soto, who could get a contract worth $600 million or more.
November 12, 9:40 a.m.
Although the Dodgers are interested in Soto, it seems unlikely that they will be serious players for his services.
ESPN’s Jeff Passan reports that the Dodgers “will not pursue Soto,” adding that they would “gladly consider him” if his deal softens.
A slowdown in Soto’s market is highly unlikely, with the 26-year-old highly sought after by many of the sport’s biggest spending clubs.
The Dodgers have the means to sign any player, but their long-term salary obligations (at Shohei Ohtani, Bets on Mookieand others) and current needs (starting pitching) make this a questionable choice for Soto.
It has also been reported that Soto has a strong East Coast preference, which could bode well for the Mets, Yankees and Red Sox.
According to Passan, the three teams above and the Blue Jays have meetings with Soto this week.
Passan notes that Soto could sign before the start of the winter meetings on December 9.
November 6, 10:40 p.m.
The Juan Soto sweepstakes continue and the teams vying for his services are reportedly becoming increasingly clear.
According to Jon Heyman of the Post, The Tampa Bay Rays are one of seven known teams that have checked out Soto. The 80-82 club joins the Yankees, Mets, Giants, Blue Jays, Dodgers and Red Sox looking to land the outfielder.
At least four more mystery teams have contacted Soto’s camp, bringing the total number to 11.
the SNY Andy Martino reported As of Wednesday, there was a feeling that Soto “enjoyed the Yankee experience and will return if the team presents what he considers a fair offer.” What this number is is still unknown.
As for the Mets, Martino said he “feels like the Mets are willing to be very aggressive financially” in their attempts to acquire Soto.
October 31, 9:23 p.m.
Although MLB free agency In just a few days, teams have already started courting Soto just hours after the Yankees’ season ended in Game 5 of the World Series.
As many as 11 teams have registered the star outfielder, and the number that could land a contract with him is $700 million, Jon Heyman of the NY Post reports. Teams cannot discuss money until five days after the World Series ends.
One of these 11 reported teams is apparently the Dishes.
The Mets are interested in acquiring Soto in free agency, according to Mike Puma of the Post. This is not surprising, because much of the money from contracts Max Scherzer And Justin Verlander is coming off the books this offseason.
“We have financial flexibility,” president of baseball operations David Stearns said Wednesday at Citi Field during his end-of-season press conference. “That means almost the entire player universe is potentially accessible to us. It’s a huge opportunity. I see us taking advantage of this opportunity and being aggressive in certain spaces.”
Soto said after Game 5 that he wants to join a winning team, but that he will not close the door to any organization and that “every team has the same opportunity.”
