Juan Soto, a 26-year-old superstar already on a Hall of Fame trajectory, headlines this offseason’s free-agent market. Having helped three different teams reach the League Championship Series, including a World Series win with the Nationals in 2019 and an AL pennant with the Yankees in 2023, Soto is a proven difference-maker. Remarkably, he’s coming off what many consider his best season yet.
Any MLB team would welcome Soto’s generational talent, but not all can realistically afford him due to financial limitations or ownership preferences. For this ranking, we focus on which teams are the best fit for Soto—not necessarily the most likely to sign him.
10. Seattle Mariners
The Mariners, perennial contenders over the last four seasons, could view Soto as the player who finally pushes them over the top. They’ve shown a willingness to spend before, as with the Robinson Canó deal, and their lineup could use a left-handed bat of Soto’s caliber. However, T-Mobile Park’s pitcher-friendly dimensions work against his profile, making this a less-than-ideal match from Soto’s perspective.
9. San Francisco Giants
The Giants have the financial flexibility to sign Soto and need his bat to bolster a lineup that lacks middle-order power. He could play either corner outfield spot, complementing Mike Yastrzemski. However, Oracle Park’s lefty-unfriendly reputation puts them at a disadvantage. While their storied history is a draw, Soto’s decision may hinge on other suitors with better offensive environments.
8. Boston Red Sox
At 81-81 last season, the Red Sox desperately need a superstar like Soto to revitalize their roster. Fenway Park’s dimensions suit his hitting style perfectly, promising plenty of doubles off the Green Monster and home runs down the short right-field line. Although Boston already has several left-handed hitters and more pressing needs than outfielders, Soto’s star power transcends lineup balance. Stealing him from the Yankees would also be a sweet bonus.
7. Los Angeles Dodgers
The Dodgers could field a terrifying lineup featuring Soto, Mookie Betts, Shohei Ohtani, and Freddie Freeman. With Betts reportedly shifting back to the infield, right field is open for Soto. While Los Angeles has the resources to make the move, they might prioritize pitching and middle infield depth instead. Even with Soto, other needs may prevent them from maximizing their roster.
6. Toronto Blue Jays
Toronto could fit Soto into their outfield by making minor adjustments, and his bat would immediately elevate a lineup that underperformed in 2023. The Blue Jays’ ability to afford Soto was demonstrated by their pursuit of Shohei Ohtani. Soto joining Toronto would add power and stability to a team looking to bounce back after a disappointing 74-win season.
5. Washington Nationals
What better way to signal a rebuild’s end than by bringing back Soto? With young talent like James Wood, Dylan Crews, and CJ Abrams emerging, Soto’s return could make the Nationals immediate contenders. However, Washington’s timeline for contention might not align perfectly with Soto’s prime years, and competing teams with stronger current rosters could sway his decision.
4. Philadelphia Phillies
The Phillies could seamlessly integrate Soto into their outfield by shifting Nick Castellanos to left field. With an already competitive roster, Soto would enhance a lineup primed to contend for championships. While Philadelphia has spent heavily in recent years, they may prefer to allocate resources toward pitching depth or center field. Still, Soto fits their win-now mindset perfectly.
3. Baltimore Orioles
Adding Soto would be a statement of intent for an Orioles team transitioning from rebuild to contender. With Anthony Santander’s departure creating a vacancy in right field, Soto slots naturally into Baltimore’s lineup. Though the team is lefty-heavy, Camden Yards favors left-handed hitters. While pitching remains a priority, signing Soto would free up their deep farm system to address other needs through trades.
2. New York Mets
The Mets are poised for a prolonged competitive window under capable leadership and deep-pocketed ownership. Their current outfield has openings that Soto could fill seamlessly, especially with Starling Marte’s decline and Tyrone Taylor’s limited ceiling. With Pete Alonso’s future uncertain, Soto’s presence could provide stability in the middle of the order. Fresh off an NLCS run, the Mets could make a strong pitch to Soto as they aim to solidify their contender status.
1. New York Yankees
After experiencing success with the Yankees last season, Soto seems like a perfect fit to continue in the Bronx. Aaron Judge’s move back to a corner outfield spot complements Soto’s presence, creating a formidable duo. Yankee Stadium’s short right-field porch suits Soto’s power, though he doesn’t rely heavily on home park advantages. Having already proven his value in their lineup, Soto’s return could be the key to maintaining their position as AL powerhouses.
