Speculation regarding the financial commitment needed from the New York Yankees to retain Juan Soto beyond the 2024 season began almost immediately after they executed the significant trade to acquire him in December.

It’s understandable that fans are eager to secure the services of the 25-year-old Soto for more than just a single season, considering his impressive track record. Soto, who is slated to become a free agent after this season, boasts an impressive resume, including four Silver Slugger awards, three All-Star appearances, a former National League batting title, and leading the major leagues in on-base percentage twice during his six-year career.

In their “Yankees 2024 bold predictions” for The Athletic, Chris Kirschner and Brendan Kuty forecasted that the team would reach an agreement with Soto for a staggering $600 million. They justified this projection by highlighting Soto’s exceptional performance metrics, pointing out that only five hitters in history have amassed at least 3,000 plate appearances by age 24 with an OPS+ of 157 or higher, with Soto joining the ranks of legends like Ty Cobb, Mike Trout, Mickey Mantle, and Jimmie Foxx. They emphasized that the Yankees didn’t acquire Soto just to let him go elsewhere.

A $600 Million Deal from the New York Yankees Would Make Juan Soto the Highest-Paid Hitter in MLB History

A potential $600 million contract for Juan Soto would position him among the highest-paid players in MLB history. He would trail only Shohei Ohtani, who received a staggering $700 million to join the Los Angeles Dodgers during the recent offseason. However, Ohtani’s exceptional versatility as both a top-tier pitcher and a prolific slugger sets him apart. For non-pitchers, Soto’s speculated deal would place him at the pinnacle of earnings.

This projected contract surpasses the extensions signed by notable players like Mike Trout ($426.5 million with the Los Angeles Angels in 2019), Mookie Betts ($365 million with the Dodgers in 2020), and Aaron Judge ($360 million with the Yankees in 2022).

The expectation for such a monumental sum stems from various factors. Kirschner and Kuty cited a past statement from Soto’s father, who mentioned that Scott Boras, Soto’s agent, had expressed interest in a $500 million deal. While Soto denied this claim, the notion isn’t far-fetched for a soon-to-be-26-year-old perennial MVP candidate. Soto’s exceptional talent as one of the premier young hitters in baseball history further bolsters the case for a record-setting contract.