MLB insider claims “Shohei Ohtani wasn’t paying attention to money,” contrasting ‘typical free agent’ Juan Soto weighing contract heavily (Image Source: Imagn)
The Juan Soto sweepstakes are allegedly reaching their final phase, with various sources reporting that he will eventually sign a deal that would exceed the record-breaking $700 million contract of Shohei Ohtani in terms of total value.
MLB insider Jon Heyman feels Ohtani was a rare case because he did not consider money as the foremost priority when he signed his contract, since he was already earning a massive sum off the field. In contrast, Soto is a “typical free agent” in the MLB, and he will put money at the top of his priorities before signing a contract because he does not earn much from endorsements.
Jon Heyman is a baseball columnist for The New York Post and an insider for the MLB Network. He made a guest appearance on The Michael Kay Show this Thursday and gave his view on why Juan Soto could possibly end up earning a more lucrative contract than Shohei Ohtani despite being a more limited player in terms of overall ability. [0:00 to 5:14]
“I think [Soto] is a typical free agent who weighs the contract heavily. I think Ohtani was that rare case who really wasn’t paying attention to the money,” Heyman said.
“[Ohtani] doesn’t need the money,” he added. “I think he makes $50 million plus off the field per year based on his sponsorship marketing, etc. Most players are not like that. They don’t make $50 million in sponsorship or anything close to that. I think they’d be lucky to make even 5% of that. So, I think the contract will weigh heavily [for Soto].”
Moreover, Juan Soto is represented by Boras Corporation, whose owner and president, Scott Boras, is well-known for his ability to maximize the value of his clients.
I don’t think Juan Soto is automatically going to the highest bidder: Jon Heyman
Juan Soto won the AL pennant in his lone season with the Yankees (Image Source: Imagn)
There are reportedly five big-market teams that have lined up to tie up Juan Soto to a long-term contract. The New York Mets and New York Yankees are talked about as the leading favorites to acquire him, while the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Boston Red Sox, and the Toronto Blue Jays have also had discussions with the outfielder and his agent.
However, Jon Heyman says all five teams are equally placed at the moment, but Juan Soto may not necessarily sign for the team that offers him the most money.
“I do believe [the Mets] are one of the highest bidders, if not the highest bidder at this point,” he said. “That is no surprise to anybody. But I do believe that there are four other teams that are actively involved, and I don’t know that there is a major separation at this point. So, I think all five teams are still in the ballgame.
“I don’t believe he’s automatically going to the highest bidder. Like every other free agent, the contract will weigh heavily. Winning also will weigh heavily,” he added. “I think all five teams, as he sees it, have pluses and minuses, and that’s why he’s deliberating now and will take a few more days.”
Juan Soto earned his fourth All-Star Game selection and his fifth Silver Slugger Award, besides finishing in third place in the American League MVP voting.
