The baseball community may now know more precisely when superstar free agency slugger Juan Soto of the New York Yankees will choose his next team.
Report: Juan Soto has ten days to make an FA decision.
According to Jon Morosi’s report on MLB Network’s Hot Stove on Monday, Soto may reveal his signing location sometime in the middle of next week:
According on what I’ve heard from sources over the past few days, I think we’ll find out Juan Soto’s destination in the next ten days. According to Morosi, it would place us in the thick of the winter meetings next week.
Ahead of the winter meetings, Soto is considering many teams.
It was generally accepted during the offseason that Soto would make his choice by December 9. This most recent disclosure provides a more precise timeline for when the Dominican talent will release his sweepstakes tension.
The New York Mets, Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, Philadelphia Phillies, and the reigning World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers are among the teams Soto has met with this fall, along with his most recent team, the New York Yankees. Additionally, the 26-year-old is aggressively reducing his alternatives, according to Morosi.
If Soto were to enter free agency, the Yankees would suffer a significant blow.
In 2024, the Yankees were just one win away from making Soto a two-time World Series victor. If he signs a big contract to return, they might fulfill that promise the next season. But according to reports, their offer is not as generous as the Mets’, who have the financial means and a welcoming atmosphere to entice Soto to Queens, New York. It’s also not as impressive as the Red Sox’s, who have become strong candidates in recent days to acquire the five-time Silver Slugger Award winner.
Analyst Recommends Yankees Target All-Star Closer in Major Trade
Sports Illustrated MLB analyst Joe Najarian suggests the New York Yankees should pursue a blockbuster trade for Devin Williams, the elite closer from the Milwaukee Brewers.
With Clay Holmes entering free agency and Luke Weaver potentially serving as a setup man in 2025, Najarian argues the Yankees have a pressing need to bolster their bullpen.
“The Yankees found a reliable closer in Luke Weaver late in the season, but it’s uncertain if he can sustain that form,” Najarian wrote. “Aside from Weaver, the team lacks dependable closing options, making the addition of high-leverage arms a priority this offseason. Acquiring Williams would immediately address this issue.”
Williams, a two-time All-Star and former Rookie of the Year, delivered an outstanding 2024 season with Milwaukee, posting a 1.25 ERA, 14 saves, and just one blown save.
Williams Considered a Trade Candidate
Despite Williams’ dominance, ESPN’s David Schoenfield noted that the Brewers might trade him due to his arbitration salary nearing $8 million in his final year. Schoenfield compared this to the Brewers’ handling of Josh Hader, where they opted for a trade before his free agency payday. Likely suitors include the Yankees, Red Sox, Blue Jays, Dodgers, and Phillies.
Yankees Actively Seeking Bullpen Reinforcements
MLB insider Jon Morosi reported earlier in the offseason that the Yankees are aggressively pursuing relievers, partly due to the free agency of key bullpen members like Clay Holmes, Tommy Kahnle, and Tim Hill. With their bullpen currently led by Weaver, Mark Leiter Jr., and Jake Cousins, the Yankees are expected to add multiple relievers, and a deal for Williams could be a strategic move.
If the Yankees meet Milwaukee’s asking price, Williams could provide the stability New York needs at the backend of its bullpen while addressing a critical offseason priority.
