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Rays joins Juan Soto’s list of suitors as two more mystery teams emerge
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Rays joins Juan Soto’s list of suitors as two more mystery teams emerge

SAN ANTONIO – Seven teams that have signed Juan Soto are known, and while one is a big surprise – the currently homeless Tampa Bay Rays – the other six are all market-leading teams with big payrolls and presumably a much better shot than the surprising Rays .

For now, Tampa has to be considered a distant seventh on the list, as it’s hard to imagine them competing with baseball’s biggest markets, starting with both New York teams but not ending anywhere near there.

Rumor has it there are two other small or medium-sized teams that are interested. So while one secret is revealed, there are others for the player who could earn close to $700 million.


Juan Soto is looked after by seven well-known teams.
Juan Soto is looked after by seven well-known teams. Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Here are the grand seven (plus the field, as there appear to be at least four other teams – including some from major markets – that are still unknown).

1. Yankees: The incumbent team is loaded with benefits after Soto seemed to enjoy his year in the Bronx. But they are not a team that will write blank checks that could open the door to others, including the team eight miles south and east.

2. Mets: They’re in Soto and should be a major player thanks to their improving status and the generosity of owner Steve Cohen (and his willingness to spend money to win). The biggest threat from outside.

3. Dodgers: They play for almost every superstar that comes along, so it’s no surprise that they’re interested. But does Soto want to go back west?

4. Blue Jay: The Yankees view them as the second-biggest obstacle behind the Mets because they are skeptical that Soto would head to the West Coast.

5. Red Sox: They are said to be quietly laying the groundwork to start spending and competing again after years of completely holding back. What would hurt the Yankees more: if he went to the Mets or Boston? This is a difficult decision.

6. Giants: They play for big stars but have had difficulty signing them, especially batsmen. The city is nice, but the ballpark is better for pitchers.

7. Rays: They did make a move for Freddie Freeman, but that could be four times as much 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 have to figure out where to play first,” said one person familiar with their thinking.


Erik Neander, president of baseball operations for the Tampa Bay Rays.
Erik Neander, president of baseball operations for the Tampa Bay Rays. AP

8th field: It is believed there are at least four other teams. His original national team likes him, but he’s probably too rich for them now. The Cubs appear to be focused on pitching. The remaining four plus are real mysteries.

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