Juan Soto Predictions: Where will the superstar sign? Slugger hits free agency, with Mets and Yankees pursuing him

During the offseason, CBS Sports MLB experts will bring you a weekly Batting Round that covers just about everyone. Latest news, historical issues, thoughts on the future of baseball and everything in between. This week we take a look at Juan Soto’s possible landing site.

Where will Juan Soto sign? How many?

R.J. Anderson: I think Mets. We have Steinbrenner’s heir and Steinbrenner’s confidant; I’m inclined to guess that Cohen is willing to cross the $600 million mark in a dozen (or so) years to get the deal done. I would, of course, caution against considering this a fait accompli. Remember, the Yankees allowed Aaron Judge to hit the open market before ultimately coming to an agreement; historically, just because their best players become free agents doesn’t necessarily mean a return is out of the question.

Dane Perry: Yankee. I am by no means sure of this. However, if I have to make a prediction, I’ll take an incumbent team with limitless coffers that just made it to the World Series. The Yankees also have the strongest brand of any of Soto’s serious rivals. Again, the Mets will no doubt be heard, but at this point I’m leaning towards the Yankees.

Matt Snyder: I’m about 99% sure Soto will stay in New York and it’s just a matter of Yankees or Mets. I’ll go with the Mets. I think Mets owners are more interested in making the highest bidder, and David Stearns will certainly enjoy finally spending some money after years in Milwaukee. The Mets have so much momentum right now. They’ve seen a decent number of members become free agents while retaining enough of their own talent to have the makings of a contender. This really is the perfect time to go completely crazy over a central franchise character like Soto.

Mike Axisa: I think the odds breakdown is 55% Yankees, 43% Mets, 2% everyone else. It may be a steep price to pay for the Yankees – these are Hal Steinbrenner’s Yankees, not George’s team – but they really want to keep him, and I think he genuinely enjoyed his time with the team. The Yankees can also pursue any contract offer. Money won’t be an issue, although Hal likes to pretend they’re struggling to make ends meet. I don’t want to spoil Friday’s bold offseason prediction too much, but I expect Soto’s contract to start at 7. These generational free agents on the market always get more than everyone expects.