Yankees' Juan Soto record contract in free agency starting at $500M?

New York Yankees superstar outfielder Juan Soto has already proven what type of difference he can make in the Big Apple, and the contract he receives in upcoming free agency is likely going to be a record.

The Yankees already have the largest contract on the roster for a position player in terms of average annual value. That would be Aaron Judge’s mark of $40 million per year. When the 2024 season is all said and done, that contract 

Judge signed that monster deal at the age of 30. Soto is currently in his age-25 season. The contract he receives is going to be historic.

According to Brittney Ghiroli of The Athletic, the discussions won’t even begin until the number starts with $500 million.

Ultimately, it seems Boras and Soto are after records. The number, many in the industry expect, will start at $500 million.

That already would be the largest contract for a position player in MLB history, considering Shohei Ohtani’s designation as a two-way player. Mike Trout’s total value of $426.5 million currently leads all pure position players.

The fact that Soto’s contract talks are likely to begin at the $500 million means the Yankees are likely going to be in for a potentially difficult offseason. Even at a number that astronomically high, the Yankees will have competition.

The organization is notorious for pushing off contract extension negotiations during the season so it’s likely there will be a lot of waiting until those talks begin.