The AL East team Rays fans should hope Juan Soto signs with

26-year old superstar, Juan Soto has been the talk of the entire MLB since he entered free agency after the 2024 season. Many teams have checked in on the all-star outfielder, including your very own Tampa Bay Rays.

However, with his expectant signing date closely approaching, there's only a handful of teams that are still in the running. Three of those clubs reside in the American League East division. This division has been rivaled by few across the sport with venerable franchises, like the Yankees and Red Sox at the helm nearly every season.

It would seem inevitable that the young right-fielder would choose to play for a highly-acclaimed organization in the AL East. Therefore, it begs the question: which team should Rays fans prefer Soto to sign with?

Either way, the prestigious slugger will make an impact, so which club will allow that effect to hurt Tampa Bay the least. The answer may not be so clear, but we believe that Juan Soto resigning with the Yankees will actually help the Rays playoff hopes the most.

First of all, the Rays have already seen a Yankees lineup with Soto near the top, so there would be few surprises. Also, whether the Yankees sign the Dominican outfielder or not, they will still be a very competitive club with the likes of Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton still present on the roster. The Yankees would have plenty of extra money to sign any other players to boost their current roster as well.

To nobody's surprise, Soto had plenty of success against the Rays in 2024, as he hit .358 with four home runs. Regardless of these results, the Rays still held a respectable 6-7 record against the American League champions. They will be able to continue their 2024 game plan against the Yankees that saw highlights of triumph.

However, if Soto signs with the Blue Jays or Red Sox, the newly designed clubs would be more unpredictable and more difficult to match up against. Also, the Yankees will still be a competitive force, so there will just be another team potentially making a significant leap in the division standings.

The last place Blue Jays would instantly become a much stronger offensive team. Regardless of the down-year they faced in 2024, there would be a resurgence in the clubhouse with the addition of such a formidable hitter.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. had one of the best seasons of his young career and they still possess talented hitters, Bo Bichette and Alejandro Kirk. Juan Soto may be able to awaken a Blue Jays club that is just waiting for their chance to pounce on a division title

The Red Sox would similarily be a much more dangerous force with Soto's left-handed bat in their everyday lineup. He would be joining lefties, Rafael Devers, Jarren Duran, and Tristan Casas to round out a fearsome crew.

Also, if the Red Sox or Blue Jays complete the feat of acquiring Juan Soto, then there will be a greater chance of them finding some free agent pitchers that would be willing to join an improving club. Therefore, Soto rejoining the Bronx clubhouse will be the most friendly outcome for an underrated Rays team.