Juan Soto contract projection: Will Yankees star surpass Shohei Ohtani’s $700 million deal?

Juan Soto is going to become one of the richest men ever in baseball. 

That’s not hyperbole either — the Yankees superstar is one of the best sluggers in the game, and given his age and resume, he is going to get a massive contract with whatever team is willing to back up the Brink’s truck. 

Once the 2024 MLB season is complete, the outfielder will officially become a free agent. And the big question among baseball fans will be where Soto lands next should he leave New York. 

Last offseason was all about Shohei Ohtani’s free agency. The two-way phenom landed in Los Angeles, signing a record-setting 10-year, $700 million, and he helped the team win a World Series in his first season in Dodger blue. 

If that is the kind of deal Ohtani can land, what does that mean for Soto this winter? The Sporting News takes a look at what the free agent superstar can land this offseason. 

MORE: Biggest contracts in sports history

Juan Soto contract projection

Soto may not pass Ohtani’s $70 million AAV on the deal he signed with the Dodgers last season. But in terms of total value, it wouldn’t be shocking for Soto to give that contract a run for its money. 

In MLB, it’s not uncommon to hand out contracts that last longer than 10 years. And when there is a soon-to-be 26-year-old who could be an MVP contender every year, teams usually try and lock that guy in for as many seasons as possible. 

For Soto, that means his deal likely will be somewhere in the 12-14 year range. Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. just signed a 14-year deal at the age of 24 years old, Soto’s former teammate, Padres outfielder Fernando Tatis Jr., inked one of that length as well at 22 years old. There’s also Phillies star Bryce Harper, who was signed to a 13-year deal at 26 years old. 

To compare Soto to his former Yankees teammate, Aaron Judge is getting paid $40 million annually, which came after his MVP season. However, Judge was entering his age-31 season. With Soto being considerably younger, it’s very possible he gets a deal worth more than his former New York teammate. 

A $500 million deal over 12 years would pay Soto $41.7 million per year, but he probably will get a larger deal. There are going to be numerous contenders in on the superstar, and considering the payrolls of the interested parties, such as the Yankees, Mets and Dodgers, he is going to be paid top dollar.

Look for a total value somewhere in the mid-to-high $500 millions. 

Juan Soto stats

Season	Team	Games	AVG	HR	RBI	OPS
2018	Nationals	116	.292	22	70	.923
2019	Nationals	150	.282	34	110	.949
2020	Nationals	47	.351	13	37	1.185
2021	Nationals	151	.313	29	95	.999
2022	WSH/SD	153	.242	27	62	.853
2023	Padres	162	.275	35	109	.930
2024	Yankees	157	.288	41	109	.989
Career		936	.285	201	592	.953