Scott Boras dismisses Shohei Ohtani Juan Soto comparisons

Shohei Ohtani holds the record for the largest sports contract signed in history. Many believe Juan Soto can set a new record, particularly as he is just 26. Therefore, many have compared the free agency of Ohtani and Soto in a similar light, however, Soto’s agent Scott Boras doesn’t think so.

Speaking to media members at the MLB GM meeting in San Antonio, Boras explained why he thinks the free agency of the Japanese superstar and Soto can’t be compared.

“I don’t think [Shohei] Ohtani has much to do with Juan Soto at all,” said Boras. “So I don’t think it’s something we discuss or consider. You know, Juan Soto is, he’s in an age category that separates him from all [others]. Also, comparability is not when you do these things. For these young players, comparability is not done with other players.”

$68 million of Shohei Ohtani’s annual salary is deferred, making the present-day value of Ohtani’s contract much lower. When the Japanese star agreed to the deferred contract, Boras was highly critical of it. Therefore, many analysts and insiders believe Soto’s contract won’t have a deferred structure.

Ex-Marlins president David Samson doesn’t believe Soto will get a $700,000,000 contract, nor is Boras looking for it. Samson thinks the super agent will be looking to make somewhere between $450-$500 million to overtake Ohtani’s contract’s present-day value.

Juan Soto and Shohei Ohtani might become teammates in 2025

As per oddsmakers, the LA Dodgers have the third-best odds behind the Yankees and the Mets to acquire Soto’s services in free agency. However, many think the Yankees have lost the race, leaving the Mets, with Steve Cohen, as the real favorites to scoop in the Dominican. Surprisingly, a certain report about Shohei Ohtani’s teammate Mookie Betts has sent the MLB community into a frenzy. Per insider Bob Nightengale, the Dodgers have plans to move Betts to the infield from right field, Soto’s preferred position.

One reason the Dodgers could sign Soto is Ohtani’s deferred contract, which gives them leeway to offer a massive deal for the Dominican. Nevertheless, the X-factor in the equation is the Mets’ Steve Cohen, the richest owner in MLB.

Francisco Lindor, the Mets shortstop has already expressed interest in teaming up with Soto. Moreover, Cohen missed out on Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who eventually signed with the Dodgers last offseason. This time, Cohen might have the chance to exact some vengeance.