The market for Juan Soto is already developing, with several teams showing interest in acquiring the 26-year-old outfielder. The Los Angeles Dodgers are among the first rumored suitors, despite having the largest contract in MLB history on the books with Shohei Ohtani's 10-year, $700 million deal. The structure of deferred money in Ohtani's contract allows the Dodgers to have a lower year-to-year luxury tax obligation, making it possible for them to spend big on Soto.

The New York Yankees are also expected to be in the mix, but their financial situation is not as free as the Dodgers'. The team has just under $49 million in tax space next year, assuming they exercise Anthony Rizzo's $17 million club option. The Chicago Cubs, who have close to $90 million in tax space next year, are also potential suitors.

Soto's decision will likely come late in the offseason, as he seeks a contract that could potentially exceed Ohtani's deal. His market is expected to influence the rest of free agency, potentially gumming up the works until he signs.

Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/jaredwyllys/2024/10/28/market-for-juan-soto-already-developing/