"In the end, the Yankees are going to be outbid by somebody" - MLB insider believes Juan Soto will not return to Bronx after free agency

The New York Yankees won the American League East title last week, and Juan Soto played a major role in their success. However, ESPN's MLB insider Buster Olney feels the lefty slugger will not return to the Yankees after becoming a free agent at the end of the season. Olney believes Soto wants a record contract and the Yankees will ultimately get outdone by their competitors in the bidding process.

Juan Soto joined the New York Yankees on a one-year, $31 million deal prior to hitting free agency for the first time in his career. The 26-year-old has formed a great partnership alongside Aaron Judge at the top of the Yankees lineup. Judge and Soto have delivered a historic season for the Bronx Bombers, with both sluggers notching over 30 doubles, 40 home runs and 10 RBIs this year.

Buster Olney shared his perspective regarding the upcoming free agency of Juan Soto on the Pinstripe Territory podcast. (12:30)

“We don’t know really what’s in Soto’s heart — does he really want to stay with the Yankees, or like a lot of players, and by the way, this is totally their prerogative, some players equate money for respect," Olney said. "Is Soto looking to get a record number of dollars from one of these teams?

“And I do think in the end, the Yankees are going to be outbid by somebody," Olney added. "I can’t see Hal (Steinbrenner) going to nutty numbers and we don’t know if (New York Mets owner) Steve Cohen is going to do like he does with some of his art and just blow the competition out of the water.”

The New York Mets are considered to be the leading candidates to challenge their crosstown rival for the services of Juan Soto. The Los Angeles Dodgers and the Philadelphia Phillies are also reportedly in the mix to sign the Dominican outfielder.

World Series title will raise market value of Juan Soto immensely

Juan Soto reached 40 home runs in a season for the first time in 2024 (Photo Credit: IMAGN)

The New York Yankees will return to the playoffs in 2024 after missing out last season as they look to end a 15-year drought for the World Series title. They are headed for the ALDS later this week after being assured of the No. 1 seed on Saturday.

Juan Soto has been instrumental in their progress to the postseason, especially with the subpar offensive production from the greater part of the Yankees line-up. Soto ended the season with a .288/.419/.569 slashline at an OPS+ of 178, which contained 76 extra-base hits and 109 RBIS, including a career-high 41 home runs.

Soto is expected to receive a long-term deal in excess of half a million dollars upon becoming a free agent at the end of the year. However, that figure may draw close to the $600 million mark or even surpass it if he earns a World Series ring with the Yankees.