In a little more than two months, the frenzy begins. Juan Soto, having just turned 26 years old, will be a free agent. The last time a hitter of Soto's caliber reached the open market at such a young age, following such an exceptional season, came nearly a quarter-century ago. And on Dec. 11, 2000, Alex Rodriguez signed a 10-year, $252 million contract, doubling the previous record for total value of a deal.
Soto turned down a 15-year, $440 million contract offer from the Washington Nationals when he was 23 years old to get to the moment at which he'll soon arrive, and he has spent the 2024 season addressing every nit at which a team might pick.