MLB Rumors: Juan Soto Pursued by Dodgers in Free Agency Amid Yankees, Mets Buzz | News, scores, highlights, stats and rumors

New York Yankees star Juan Soto could receive interest in free agency from his current opponent in the 2024 World Series.

According to Jon Heyman of the New York Postthe Los Angeles Dodgers are interested in Soto and will attempt to sign him “if he is interested” in joining the organization.

Heyman also noted that the Yankees and New York Mets are seen by “baseball people” as the “likely favorites” to sign the 26-year-old, with questions surrounding his desire to move west again if he were to consider the choice. Evaders.

Soto spent 2023 with the San Diego Padres before being acquired by the Yankees in a blockbuster trade during the following offseason.

According to Heyman, New York sees the Mets and possibly the Toronto Blue Jays as a “real threat” to lure Soto away, but members of the organization “do not believe” he wants to return to California.

The four-time All-Star addressed his impending free agency ahead of Game 1 of the Fall Classic, explaining that winning is most important when evaluating potential destinations.

“Every player definitely wants to be happy where they are,” Soto said, via David Lennon Newsday (h/t Dayn Perry of CBS Sports). And at the end of the day, you’ll be very happy if you win. So wherever you are where you have a chance to win a championship, you will love playing for them. I think that’s the biggest thing.”

The outcome of the World Series could influence his choice, as the Yankees are currently trailing 2-0 despite his heroics.

Los Angeles capped off a successful offseason following the 2023 campaign, adding superstar Shohei Ohtani and starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto. The Dodgers offense would become even more impressive if they could add Soto to a lineup that already includes Ohtani, Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman.

In his first season with the Yankees, the right fielder hit .288 while notching 41 home runs and 109 RBIs. If he chooses to leave New York in the winter, the Dodgers could wait to make an offer.