In a recent interview, sports agent Scott Boras reflected on the remarkable talent of All-Star right fielder Juan Soto. While suggesting that the young star would still be captivating audiences during the World Series, Boras noted how fans could have still seen him in a San Diego Padres uniform. As he watches his client, who is about to become one of the world’s wealthiest sportsmen, agent Scott can’t help but think about how history might have gone quite differently.

Scott Boras recalled how he and Padres team owner Peter Seidler were knee-deep in contract discussions for Juan Soto before everything changed. He mentioned they were well advanced into the discussions but Seidler’s illness stopped the process and the organization he knew took a different turn. “If Padres owner Peter Seidler were still alive,” Boras shared with USA TODAY Sports, adding, “None of this would be happening. Juan Soto would still be with the Padres. He never would have been traded to the Yankees. He’d be a Padre today.” 

Sadly, the contract never materialized, and Seidler passed away from cancer on November 14, 2023. As Boras watches the World Series, it’s hard not to feel the weight of what could have been—how Soto could have continued to shine in San Diego, making waves in a different postseason narrative. But so far so good for Juan Soto, as he made it to the World Series and is now heading into free agency. Surely, teams will be ready to prowl upon the Dominican baseball outfielder, considering the numbers he’s putting up, But the big question is: Will he give competition to Shohei Ohtani’s massive $700 million deal? 

Top players to keep an eye on this offseason other than Soto 

 Juan Soto isn’t the sole player going into free agency; there are 4 more stars in action – starting with Corbin Brunes. In 2024, Corbin truly shined for the Baltimore Orioles. As a four-time All-Star and the 2021 NL Cy Young winner, Burnes’s stellar season has made him one of the most sought-after pitchers. With his impressive track record, potential suitors include the New York Mets, Baltimore Orioles, and Boston Red Sox. 

Another name is Blake Snell – after securing his second Cy Young Award, Snell signed a two-year, $62 million deal with the San Francisco Giants. However, his season got off to a rocky start as he struggled with injuries. But once he returned to the mound, Snell turned things around dramatically. As he looks ahead, potential fits for Snell include the Giants, San Diego Padres, and Texas Rangers.

Alex Bregman also had standout seasons in 2018 and 2019, averaging 36 home runs and 108 RBIs, but he hasn’t quite reached that level since. This year started off slow for him, with a .206 average, but Alex rebounded impressively. The Houston Astros are weighing their options on whether to keep him, but he’s sure to attract interest from several teams.

Another contender is Max Fried, the left-handed pitcher for the Atlanta Braves. He is heading into free agency after an impressive second All-Star season in three years. As a three-time NL Gold Glove winner, Fried is set to be one of the top starting pitchers available this winter. Potential suitors include the Chicago Cubs, San Diego Padres, and Texas Rangers.