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Juan Soto's free agency has become the hottest ticket in MLB, with the superstar outfielder openly declaring his willingness to meet with "every single team" right after the World Series concluded. This announcement makes it clear that there isn't an apparent frontrunner in the race for his coveted signature. Here’s a rundown of Soto’s meetings so far.

The New York Mets have emerged as significant contenders for Soto, primarily due to the financial prowess of owner Steve Cohen. With payrolls soaring past $300 million in recent years and peaking at $375 million in 2023, the Mets have demonstrated their ability to spend big. Cohen has already traveled west to meet with Soto personally, showcasing his dedication to securing the star. Given Cohen's history of making generous offers, he could indeed outbid the competition and lure Soto across town.

Meanwhile, the New York Yankees also have a vested interest, having enjoyed Soto’s presence in their lineup for the past year. Soto formed a formidable duo with Aaron Judge, making them the most potent offensive pair in the league. Although Soto declined their qualifying offer, Yankees' owner Hal Steinbrenner confirmed that their initial discussion went positively and that the team remains "in the mix" for Soto.

The Los Angeles Dodgers represent another significant suitor, despite the potential backlash it could resemble, akin to Kevin Durant's contentious move to the Warriors years ago. The Dodgers, who have about $70 million available under the final Competitive Balance Tax Threshold, have met with Soto, eyeing him to fill critical gaps in their outfield, infield, and rotation.

In Boston, the Red Sox are keen to avoid repeating the mistake of letting a generational talent slip away, as with Mookie Betts. The Sox, armed with an elite farm system and substantial financial resources, were among the first to meet with Soto. This suggests they are serious about making a competitive offer and should be seen as a realistic destination for Soto.

The Toronto Blue Jays entered the fray early, although their track record with high-profile free agents hasn't been stellar. Known for their deep pockets and growing desperation to land a superstar, the Blue Jays could remain in contention until the negotiations' final stages.

Beyond these teams, other potential suitors include the Philadelphia Phillies and the San Francisco Giants. While a meeting with the Phillies is still speculative, their president, Dave Dombrowski, is known for his aggressive moves and willingness to spend. The Giants, on the other hand, have had their share of near-misses with top free agents like Aaron Judge and could be looking for a breakthrough under their new President of Baseball Operations, Buster Posey.

Lastly, the Tampa Bay Rays, despite being mentioned as a possible candidate, are widely seen as unlikely contenders due to ongoing concerns about their stadium situation and financial constraints.

As the Soto Sweepstakes heat up, the race to secure one of baseball's brightest talents promises to be a high-stakes contest, with numerous teams vying for a chance to transform their rosters with Soto’s exceptional skills.