SAN ANTONIO — Seven teams that have called on Juan Soto are known, and while one is a major surprise — the homeless-at-the-moment Tampa Bay Rays — the other six are all major-market teams that have big payrolls and presumably a much better shot than the surprising Rays.
For now, Tampa has to be viewed as a distant seventh on the list, as it’s hard to imagine them competing with the biggest markets in baseball, starting with both New York teams but not nearly ending there.
Word is there are two more small- or middle-market teams interested, so while one mystery is revealed, there are others for the player who could command close to $700M.
Here are the magnificent seven (plus the field because there are apparently at least four more teams — with a couple coming from major markets — that remain unknown).
1. Yankees: The incumbent team is full of advantages after Soto seemed to enjoy his year in The Bronx. But they aren’t a team that writes blank checks, which could open the door to others, including the team eight miles to the south and east.
2. Mets: They are in on Soto and should be a major player thanks to their improving status and owner Steve Cohen’s largesse (and his willingness to spend to win). The top outside threat.
3. Dodgers: They play for almost every superstar who comes free, so it’s no surprise they’re interested. But does Soto want to go back west?
4. Blue Jays: The Yankees see them as the second-biggest obstacle after the Mets because they’re skeptical Soto would go to the west coast.
5. Red Sox: Word is they are quietly laying the groundwork to begin spending and competing again after completely laying low for years. Which would hurt the Yankees more: If he went to the Mets or Boston? Tough call there.
6. Giants: They play for big stars but have had trouble landing them, particularly hitters. The city is lovely, but the ballpark is better for pitchers.
7. Rays: They did make a play for Freddie Freeman, but this may be four times more money. Probably the long shot of the century. At the moment, they don’t even have a roof over their heads. “They love to chase good players, but they need to find out where they’re playing first,” one person familiar with their thinking said.
8. Field: There are thought to be at least four more teams. His original Nationals team likes him, but he’s probably too rich for them now. The Cubs seem focused on pitching. The remaining four-plus are real mysteries.