What the odds say: Which team will win the Soto sweepstakes?
Odds and data via theScore Bet and ESPN Bet
Now that the Dodgers have been crowned World Series champions and the sun has set on the 2024 MLB season, it's time for free agency.
Juan Soto is the biggest name hitting the open market, with teams like the Dodgers and Mets already expressing interest in the 26-year-old slugger.
Soto was questioned about his upcoming free agency immediately after the Yankees were defeated in Game 5 of the World Series. He made it clear he'll listen to every offer and isn't giving the Yankees the inside track.
"I feel like every team has the same opportunities when I go into free agency," Soto said. "I don't want to say anyone has an advantage because, at the end of the day, we're gonna look at what they have and how much they want me."
So, who has the best chance of signing Soto? Oddsmakers at theScore Bet think Soto is most likely to return to the Yankees, but there are still a handful of teams in the mix.
Odds to sign Soto
Team | Odds |
---|---|
Yankees | -225 |
Mets | +225 |
Dodgers | +800 |
Giants | +1500 |
Nationals | +1500 |
Blue Jays | +1800 |
Phillies | +3000 |
Rangers | +4000 |
Cubs | +4000 |
Padres | +6000 |
Teams above +6000 are not listed.
The Yankees' -225 odds imply a 69.2% probability of re-signing their superstar, who's reportedly looking to land a $700-million deal.
The Mets are the second favorites to sign Soto and keep him in New York. The Dodgers (+800) and Giants (+1500) are looking to bring Soto back to California.
The Blue Jays, who were also apparently in the running for Shohei Ohtani last offseason, are +1800 to round out the genuine contenders for Soto.
If Soto doesn't re-sign with the Yankees - and doesn't go back to the Nationals or Padres - he'd join a fourth different team in only his eighth year in the bigs.
In any case, Soto is expected to sign a lengthy deal with whomever wins the bid for his services. And if he lands an Ohtani-esque contract, it will likely be the last of his career.