Soto is expected to command a significant contract as a free agent

Other than Shohei Ohtani, Juan Soto might be the most coveted free-agent slugger in the modern history of Major League Baseball. It is not often that a 26-year-old power-hitting corner outfielder becomes available for any team to sign while in the prime of his career, but Soto‘s unique path to stardom and smart decision-making along the way have given him complete leverage over where he wishes to spend the rest of his MLB career.

When the New York Yankees pulled off a blockbuster trade to acquire Soto from the San Diego Padres last winter, most expected the Yankees to re-sign the All-Star slugger to a massive contract extension, and New York‘s chances weren’t harmed by its run to the World Series. However, the bidding has been considered “open” for weeks since the Yankees lost to Ohtani‘s Dodgers in the Fall Classic last month.

Soto’s shock announcement

Fans eagerly waiting for developments on the Soto front might have been surprised Tuesday to find the Dominican superstar seated in front of several microphones at the start of a 30-second clip that caught fire on social media. The sharp-dressed Soto began the clip by saying “this wasn’t an easy decision“, and viewers were quickly thrown for a loop when the former Washington National donned a hat bearing the word “Celsius“.

Thus, Soto’s “big announcement” was the confirmation of a new partnership with the energy drink brand Celsius, and it played effectively off the anticipation surrounding his free agency destination.

A recent report said that no fewer than five teams have registered their interest in Soto and sent offers to his agent Scott Boras. The outfielder is expected to command a dollar figure close to Ohtani’s record-shattering $700 million pact with the Dodgers, over an even-longer term — and if Los Angeles, somehow, can sign up Soto to play alongside Ohtani, the rest of MLB will have to scramble for answers in response to a possible Dodger dynasty.