Juan Soto’s Free Agency Market Could Move Quickly, With Meetings Already Set

Juan Soto could not have timed the best season of his big league career more perfectly. Soto was outstanding with the New York Yankees, hitting a career high 41 home runs, scoring 128 runs and providing over 61 extra runs of offense compared to a league average player. 

He was just as good in the postseason, hitting four home runs and sharpening his already elite plate discipline. And he did all that just before he hit free agency.

Soto is arguably the most desirable free agent since Alex Rodriguez, hitting the open market at just 26-years-old and providing a rare combination of power and patience. Unsurprisingly, teams are lining up to bid on securing his services for the remainder of his career. But what is surprising, per a new report from ESPN's Jeff Passan, is that the market for a generational, expensive, talent is expected to move quickly.

So much so that Soto and his agent, Scott Boras, have already scheduled a number of meetings with prospective teams. Despite what's expected to be a record price tag, his decision could come sooner rather than later. With a few unexpected teams signaling interest.

Oct 30, 2024; New York, New York, USA; New York Yankees third baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. (13), outfielder Alex Verdugo (24), outfielder Juan Soto (22) and outfielder Aaron Judge (99) during the first inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers in game five of the 2024 MLB World Series at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Per Passan's report, the Toronto Blue Jays are heading to California this week as the first team to meet with Soto. After years of cutting back on salary expenditures, the Boston Red Sox also have a meeting on the books. And of course, the two presumed favorites, the Yankees