Even though the cries for Juan Soto to become the highest-paid player in MLB began even before his go-ahead homer in the 10th inning of Game 5 of the ALCS

"Multiple people told The Athletic this spring they believe Soto’s camp is after Shohei Ohtani's record-breaking deal," Ghiroli reported. "Ohtani’s contract included 97 percent deferrals, but still put his present-day average annual value at roughly $43.78 million, or closer to $46 million when calculated for luxury tax purposes."

MLB insider Buster Olney of ESPN has routinely suggested since September that New York Mets owner Steve Cohen will outbid New York Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner for Juan Soto once Soto reaches free agency following the upcoming World Series that will feature the All-Star outfielder and the Yankees facing the Los Angeles Dodgers.