MLB Rumors: Juan Soto to be pursued by Dodgers in free agency amid Yankees and Mets Buzz | News, results, highlights, statistics and rumors

LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 26: Juan Soto #22 of the New York Yankees rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run in the third inning in Game 2 of the 2024 World Series presented by Capital One between the New York Yankees and Los Angeles. Angeles.

Rob Leiter/MLB Photos via Getty Images

New York Yankees star Juan Soto could earn interest from his current 2024 World Series opponent as a free agent.

According to Jon Heyman belonging New York PostThe Los Angeles Dodgers are interested in Soto and will try to sign him “if he’s interested” in joining the organization.

Heyman also noted that the Yankees and New York Mets are viewed by “baseball people” as the “likely favorites” to sign the 26-year-old, and questions have been raised about his desire to head west again if he considers possibility of signing a contract with a 26-year-old player. Dodgers.

Soto spent 2023 with the San Diego Padres before being acquired by the Yankees in a trade. blockbuster trade in the upcoming off-season.

Heyman said New York views the Mets and possibly the Toronto Blue Jays as “real threats” to lure Soto, but members of the organization “don’t believe” he wants to return to California.

The four-time All-Star addressed his impending free agent before the first game of the Fall Classic, explaining that winning is most important when evaluating possible destinations.

“Definitely every player wants to be happy where they are,” Soto said, via David Lennon of Newsday (h/t CBS Sports’ Dane Perry). “And in the end, whenever you win, you will be truly happy. So no matter where you are, you have a chance to win a championship, you will be happy to play for them. I think that’s the most important thing.”

The outcome of the World Series could influence his selection, as the Yankees currently face a 2–0 series deficit despite his heroics.

Los Angeles is coming off a strong offseason following the 2023 campaign. addition superstar Shohei Ohtani and starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto. The Dodgers’ offense would be even more impressive if they could add Soto to a lineup that already includes Ohtani, Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman.

In his first season with the Yankees, the right fielder hit .288 with 41 home runs and 109 RBIs. If he decides to leave New York in the winter, the Dodgers could be waiting with an offer.