Let the bidding frenzy commence.

With seven seasons in the big leagues, four All-Star selections, two major trades, two World Series appearances, and a batting title under his belt, Juan Soto has hit free agency. His decision will dominate sports media for months, as fans and teams debate the star’s value both now and in the years ahead.

Though it’s rumored to be a face-off between the New York Yankees and New York Mets, practically every ownership group will consider pitching an offer around $600 million to Soto and his agent, Scott Boras. Soto is an asset for any team’s timeline, whether it’s the reigning champion Los Angeles Dodgers or the 121-loss Chicago White Sox: after all, he’s only 26. A 14-year deal would mean Soto wouldn’t even be 40 by the time he might re-enter free agency in 2038.

Below is an analysis, in alphabetical order, of nine teams expected to make a move for Soto. How could Soto’s bat impact their lineup in 2024, and what would his addition mean for each team’s core?

Boston Red Sox

Few moves could reignite the iconic Yankees-Red Sox rivalry quite like Soto choosing Boston over New York. And nothing would restore Red Sox fans’ confidence in John Henry and the Fenway Ownership Group like a massive investment to bring Soto to Boston.

Soto’s approach at the plate would thrive at Fenway Park — the league’s second-best park for left-handed hitters, according to Statcast. The Red Sox lineup, however, is already heavy with left-handed hitters like Rafael Devers, Jarren Duran, Triston Casas, and Wilyer Abreu, plus right-handed Trevor Story, all under team control through at least 2027. Soto’s defensive limitations would be managed by stationing him in Fenway’s small left field, with an eventual move to DH being a possibility. Yet, the Red Sox have other needs, and it’s uncertain if ownership would be willing to make this level of financial commitment. — Stephen J. Nesbitt

Chicago Cubs

The Cubs have never offered a free-agent contract over $184 million (Jason Heyward) or with an average annual value above $30 million (Cody Bellinger), so signing Soto would be unprecedented. However, players of Soto’s talent and age don’t become available often.

With Bellinger opting in for 2025, the Cubs’ interest in Soto faces a couple of hurdles. First, they may be less inclined to pursue Soto’s services while paying Bellinger $27.5 million this year (and possibly $25 million next year). Second, they’d likely need to move Bellinger, Ian Happ, or Seiya Suzuki to free up a corner-outfield or DH slot for Soto. Nonetheless, Soto represents a long-term investment, and with only a few significant contracts on the books and promising prospects in Triple-A, the Cubs could make a bold statement in the NL Central by acquiring him. — Nesbitt

Los Angeles Dodgers

After finally claiming their elusive full-season World Series title, the Dodgers have an opportunity to establish themselves as a powerhouse. Despite starting the season with the league’s third-highest payroll, adding Soto might still be feasible, especially considering the deferred $68 million annual payment in Shohei Ohtani’s megadeal. With Teoscar Hernández hitting free agency and Mookie Betts transitioning to the infield, the Dodgers have room to bring Soto into a lineup that could also include Ohtani, Betts, and Freddie Freeman.

Betts is signed through 2032, Ohtani and catcher Will Smith through 2033, and Yoshinobu Yamamoto through 2035. Adding Soto to this roster would bolster a pipeline of talent that could cement the Dodgers’ dominance for years to come. — Cody Stavenhagen

New York Mets

Nearly two years ago, as the Mets went on a free-agent spree, Boras remarked, “You can picture Steve Cohen hanging on to the Empire State Building. Maybe it’s not Steve Cohen. Maybe it’s Steve Kong.” If there were ever a time for Mets owner Cohen to flex his financial clout, it’s now. Coming off a surprise NLCS appearance, the Mets have open roster spots and an owner rich enough to fill them with the best talent available, starting with Soto.

With Francisco Lindor (signed through 2031) and other core players like Mark Vientos, Brandon Nimmo, and Francisco Alvarez, Soto would make a great addition to the Mets, potentially playing right field or serving as DH. If Cohen decides to win a bidding war, there may be no owner who can outbid him. — Nesbitt

New York Yankees

The Yankees may no longer have the unlimited budget they once did, but we’ve already seen how a superstar pairing of Soto and Aaron Judge can revitalize Yankee Stadium. Soto excelled under the lights of New York, with Yankee Stadium’s friendly home-run dimensions. While the ballpark’s right field didn’t yield as many benefits as one might expect, Soto’s all-fields hitting approach still fit well in New York, where he thrived.

If the Yankees are determined to end their championship drought, re-signing Soto is a logical step. Visualizing the 2024 Yankees without him highlights just how much he brings to the team. — Stavenhagen

Philadelphia Phillies

Despite a disappointing playoff exit, there’s a case to be made that the Phillies had one of the most balanced rosters. Comments from ownership and management have hinted that they’re prepared to exceed the luxury tax for the right player. Soto’s bat would be a significant addition to Philadelphia’s lineup, although incorporating him would require some adjustments.

The Phillies already have defensively challenged players like Nick Castellanos and Kyle Schwarber, with no DH slots to spare. But Soto has existing connections with players like Bryce Harper and hitting coach Kevin Long, which could help. While signing Soto may seem unlikely, Phillies GM Dave Dombrowski has never shied away from making bold moves for the right talent. — Stavenhagen

San Francisco Giants

The Giants have had limited success with marquee free agents under Farhan Zaidi’s leadership, but Buster Posey now has a chance to change that narrative. Posey may be tempted to bring Soto to San Francisco and provide the Bay Area with its biggest star since Barry Bonds.

In 22 games in San Francisco, Soto has posted a .325 average with seven homers and a 1.050 OPS. He’d be an impactful addition alongside center fielder Jung Hoo Lee or at DH, filling the Giants’ middle lineup. While San Francisco’s stadium presents challenges for hitters, Soto’s talent would overcome it. — Nesbitt

Toronto Blue Jays

The Blue Jays seem focused on maximizing their current roster with stars like Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette, even as they approach contract years. Soto’s bat would add much-needed left-handed power to a heavily right-handed lineup, complementing their competitive edge.

Soto’s signing could place the Blue Jays back in contention in the AL East, especially following a recent pursuit of Ohtani. While payroll adjustments may be necessary, this year might push Toronto to make a bold move to preserve its current core. — Stavenhagen

Washington Nationals

Could Soto’s story come full circle? Though he once turned down a 15-year, $440 million extension, the Nationals are on the upswing, thanks to emerging prospects.

A return to Washington would place Soto in a lineup with players like CJ Abrams, James Wood, and MacKenzie Gore. Though it may not lead the Nationals to compete with the division’s top teams immediately, Soto’s presence would accelerate their rebuild, putting them on a path to contention in the years to come. — Nesbitt

4ot, but that contract — and Soto’s prime — will continue on loooong after 2025. — Nesbitt