In the world of Major League Baseball, few moments generate as much excitement and speculation as when a bona fide superstar hits the open market. Enter Juan Soto, the 26-year-old phenom who is poised to become one of the most sought-after free agents in MLB history. With a track record of excellence that belies his youth, Soto has already established himself as one of the game’s elite players. But just how valuable is he compared to other all-time great free agents?
Ranking the Most Valuable MLB Free Agents Ever
To answer that question, ESPN’s David Schoenfield took a deep dive into the annals of MLB free agency, evaluating the biggest stars to hit the market based on their age, performance, and accolades at the time they became available. The result is a fascinating top-10 list that spans decades and includes some of the most iconic names in baseball history.
Honorable Mentions: Hall of Famers and MVPs
Before revealing the cream of the crop, it’s worth noting some of the legendary players who just missed the cut. This illustrious group includes Hall of Famers like Greg Maddux, who was coming off his first Cy Young season when he signed with the Braves in 1993, and Pedro Martinez, who had just helped the Red Sox break their World Series curse when he hit free agency in 2004.
Other notable omissions include MVPs Jason Giambi (2001) and Alex Rodriguez (2007), as well as perennial All-Stars like Adrian Beltre and Robinson Cano. The fact that these iconic players didn’t crack the top 10 speaks to the rarefied air occupied by those who did.
Top 10 Free Agents: From Cole to Ohtani
So who made the list? Coming in at #10 is Gerrit Cole, who parlayed a dominant run with the Astros into a record-breaking $324 million deal with the Yankees in 2019. He’s followed by Bryce Harper (#9), who was just 26 when he signed a 13-year, $330 million contract with the Phillies, and Manny Ramirez (#8), the hitting savant who landed an 8-year, $160 million deal with the Red Sox in 2000.
Other notables in the top 10 include Albert Pujols (#7), who was a three-time MVP when he left the Cardinals for the Angels in 2012, and Manny Machado (#6), who was just entering his prime when he signed a 10-year, $300 million contract with the Padres in 2019. Rounding out the list are luminaries like Aaron Judge (#5), Barry Bonds (#3), and Shohei Ohtani (#2).
Juan Soto: The Ultimate Prize
Which brings us back to Soto. According to Schoenfield’s analysis, the Nationals’ young superstar checks in at #4 on the all-time list, ahead of Judge and behind only Ohtani, Bonds, and the player who tops the rankings: Alex Rodriguez, who signed a groundbreaking 10-year, $252 million deal with the Rangers in 2000 at age 25.
Given his age and consistent production, Soto comfortably comes in at No. 4 on our list. He projects to more offensive value than Harper and Machado had at the same age.
– David Schoenfield, ESPN
The comparisons to Harper and Machado are particularly apt, as both were also 26-year-old superstars when they cashed in. But Soto’s track record of excellence – he boasts a career .427 on-base percentage and has already won two Silver Slugger awards – sets him apart. As Schoenfield notes, even if Soto eventually moves to a DH role, his bat is special enough to make him immensely valuable into his late 30s, a la David Ortiz or Edgar Martinez.
A Historic Payday Awaits
So what kind of contract can Soto expect? While the exact figures remain to be seen, there’s little doubt he’ll command a massive deal that could approach or even exceed $500 million. With the Dodgers, Yankees, and Mets among the big-market teams likely to be in the bidding, a bidding war could quickly escalate.
Regardless of where he ends up or how much he ultimately earns, one thing is clear: Juan Soto is a truly special talent whose impending free agency will be one of the biggest stories in sports. As he prepares to test the open market, he can take comfort in knowing he’s not just one of the best players of his generation, but one of the most valuable free agents the game has ever seen.
