The New York Yankees are reeling from their loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series and must now turn their attention to the offseason. After missing out on their 28th championship title, the Yankees aim to strengthen their roster to change the narrative for next year. However, they face the possibility of losing a highly sought-after free agent who might join a National League Central team.
Joel Reuter from Bleacher Report noted that despite being a major market team with a payroll ranked seventh in the majors in 2024, the Chicago Cubs lack star talent and currently do not have a true franchise player. With one of the deepest farm systems in baseball, significant market appeal, and a desperate need for a superstar, the Cubs could be a strong contender for Juan Soto this winter.
Soto had an impressive season with the Yankees, hitting .288 with 76 extra-base hits, including 41 home runs, 109 RBIs, and a .988 OPS over 157 games. As a four-time Silver Slugger, he is expected to command a massive contract this offseason, making him the most desirable free agent on the market. His estimated market value is around $473 million for a 13-year deal, averaging about $36 million annually. However, Soto could potentially negotiate a contract in the range of $600 million over 15 years, similar to Shohei Ohtani’s record-setting $700 million deal with the Dodgers last winter.
If Cody Bellinger decides to opt out of his contract for 2025, pursuing Soto would be a logical move for the Cubs. If the stars align for Soto and Chicago, it could lead to further disappointment for Yankees fans following their heartbreaking World Series defeat in 2024.
