close
close

first Drop

Com TW NOw News 2024

Rays joins the list of Juan Soto suitors as two other mystery teams emerge
news

Rays joins the list of Juan Soto suitors as two other mystery teams emerge

SAN ANTONIO – There are seven known teams that have tapped Juan Soto, and while one is a big surprise – the currently homeless Tampa Bay Rays – the other six are all big-market teams with big payrolls and presumably a lot better shot than the surprising Rays.

For now, Tampa should be viewed as a distant seventh on the list, as it’s hard to imagine them competing with baseball’s biggest markets, starting with both New York teams but not ending anywhere near there.

Rumor has it that two more small or mid-sized teams are interested, so while one mystery is being revealed, there are others for the player who could fetch almost $700 million.


Juan Soto has seven known teams reporting to him.
Juan Soto has seven known teams reporting to him. Brad Penner-Imagn images

Here are the stunning seven (plus the field, as there are apparently at least four more teams – a few of which are from major markets – that remain unknown).

1. Yankees: The incumbent team is full of upside after Soto seemed to enjoy his year in The Bronx. But they are not a team that writes blank checks, which could open the door for others, including the team that goes eight miles south and east.

2. Mets: They’re in Soto and should be a major player thanks to their improving status and the generosity of owner Steve Cohen (and his willingness to spend money to win). The greatest threat from outside.

3. Evaders: They’ll play for almost any superstar that comes for free, so it’s no surprise they’re interested. But does Soto want to return west?

4. Blue Jays: The Yankees see them as the second biggest obstacle behind the Mets because they are skeptical that Soto would head to the West Coast.

5. Red Sox: It is said that they are quietly laying the groundwork to start publishing and competing again after years of remaining completely in the background. What would hurt the Yankees more: if he went to the Mets or Boston? Tough call there.

6. Giants: They play for big stars but have had trouble landing them, especially hitters. The city is beautiful, but the ballpark is better for pitchers.

7. Rays: They did play for Freddie Freeman, but this could be four times the money. Probably the gamble of the century. Currently they don’t even have a roof over their heads. “They love to chase good players, but they need to know where they are playing first,” said one person familiar with their thinking.


Erik Neander, president of baseball operations for the Tampa Bay Rays.
Erik Neander, president of baseball operations for the Tampa Bay Rays. AP

8. Field: It is thought there are at least four more teams. His original Nationals team likes him, but he’s probably too rich for them now. The Cubs seem focused on pitching. The other four-plus people are real mysteries.