MUST-READ OPINION AND EXPERT ANALYSIS-Juan Soto Will Return to Yankees Unless ‘Unlikely’ Team Lands Him

Yankees Poised for His Return Unless ‘Unlikely’ Trade Happens

Juan Soto, the former New York Yankees outfielder, is expected to return to the Yankees, according to ESPN’s top analyst, who said it would take something “unlikely” for him to leave the team. The only possible reason for Soto to depart, analysts suggest, would be a move to another team, but it’s considered “unlikely” that he would take that route.

Soto is widely regarded as a “generational” talent, with his numbers through his first six MLB seasons drawing comparisons to those of Ted Williams, often regarded as one of the greatest players in baseball history. Only Williams has posted numbers comparable to Soto’s, underscoring how rare such talent is.

While the Yankees, with 27 World Series titles and 41 Fall Classic appearances, are a dominant force in MLB, there is one scenario where Soto might leave: a potential move to the Los Angeles Dodgers. ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith stated that joining the Dodgers would be the only valid reason for Soto to leave the Yankees, despite rumors from fellow analyst Chris Russo suggesting Soto could sign with the Boston Red Sox. Smith responded by saying that Russo had no inside information and stressed that the Dodgers were the only legitimate alternative for Soto.

However, MLB experts don’t think it’s likely that the Dodgers will land Soto. Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reported that, while the Dodgers have shown interest, they are not expected to sign the four-time All-Star.

Smith, in defending the Yankees’ position, dismissed the Red Sox as a “fair-weather stepchild” compared to the Yankees. Although the Red Sox have won eight World Series, they have had greater success in recent years, winning four championships since 2001, while the Yankees have only won one in the same span. The teams have faced off in four postseason series, with the Red Sox winning three, including the historic 2004 ALCS comeback.