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Rays Rumors: Tampa Bay shockingly reaches out to Juan Soto in free agency

By Mason Stacy |
Oct 26, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; New York Yankees outfielder Juan Soto (22) celebrates in the dugout after hitting a solo home run in the third inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers during game two of the 2024 MLB World Series at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Oct 26, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; New York Yankees outfielder Juan Soto (22) celebrates in the dugout after hitting a solo home run in the third inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers during game two of the 2024 MLB World Series at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images / Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Tampa Bay Rays have recently checked in on rising star, Juan Soto in free agency. The extent of this discussion (or whether or not it's still ongoing) is yet to be heard, but it would appear that Erik Neander and company are starting to test the waters in this monumental free agent market.

There is no question that outfielders and offense are two essential needs for a club coming off of an 80-82 campaign, where they carried a rough -59 run differential. Soto was certainly not in the original plans for Rays fans as most people project him to sign with massive spenders like the Mets, Yankees, or Dodgers.

Nevertheless, Tampa Bay contacted Juan Soto's agent to see where they lie with the sweepstakes. We're assuming the Dominican outfielder will sign one of the largest contracts in MLB history. Therefore, the Rays, in all likelihood, will have no chance to sign the generational athlete.

New York Yankees v Boston Red Sox
New York Yankees v Boston Red Sox / Winslow Townson/GettyImages

Either way, it's always fun to speculate a little bit, so let's imagine a world where Soto is on this AL East roster. This world may very well never exist, but an outfield arrangement with Josh Lowe in right field, Jonny DeLuca in center field, and Juan Soto in left field would be rather enjoyable, to say the least.

The 26-year old could fit into the Rays lineup around Yandy Diaz and Brandon Lowe, making the top of the order extremely daunting for opposing pitchers. In his 2025 campaign, Juan Soto slashed .288/.419/.569 with 41 home runs and 109 RBIs. He also finished with a 7.9 WAR which was 4th-best in the majors behind MVP finalists, Aaron Judge, Bobby Witt Jr., and Shohei Ohtani.

Mar 30, 2023; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays center fielder Jose Siri (22, first baseman Yandy Diaz (2) and second baseman Brandon Lowe (8) look on before the game against the Detroit Tigers at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-Imagn Images
Mar 30, 2023; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays center fielder Jose Siri (22, first baseman Yandy Diaz (2) and second baseman Brandon Lowe (8) look on before the game against the Detroit Tigers at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-Imagn Images / Kim Klement-Imagn Images

The four-time all star was atop the American League in runs as he recorded a mark of 128. To put that into perspective, Soto scored 21% of the Rays' total runs from their 2025 season. His addition would be remarkable for a Rays team and community that is struggling through immense loss on and off the field, as the team continues to search for solutions surrounding Tropicana Field.

However, according to reports, the young power-hitter will be expecting a deal in the neighborhood of $700 million. Soto is almost indisputably out of the Rays price range, but here's to a miracle!

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