As the MLB free agent process plays out this winter, Orioles fans will be watching closely to see what their team does. They may also be watching a player from another team closely.

What Oriole fan would not be happy to see Juan Soto leave the New York Yankees? Even if he wound up with another team in the American League East, it would badly hurt the current division champs.

The New York offense seemed like a two-man show at times in 2024 and any O’s fan would be happy to see that as a one-man show next year.

Soto had a monster year on offense, batting .288/.419/.569/.989 with 31 doubles, four triples, 41 homers and 109 RBIs. His OPS ranked third in the majors and was his best since posting a .999 for the Nats in 2021.

He is the rare player who walked (129) more than he struck out (119), posting an 18.1 walk percentage.

At age 26, he is a four-time All-Star and four-time Silver Slugger. And yes someone will sign him at age 26, heading into maybe his best years yet.

Per reports, next week Mets owner Steve Cohen will be in California to meet in person with Soto and his agent Scott Boras. The Mets, most assume, will put on a full-court press to take him away from their crosstown rivals. Baltimore fans will be watching with interest.

Soto hit .327 with an OPS of 1.102 and four homers in 14 playoff games.

He is one of six in MLB history to record at least 125 walks in four different seasons, joining Babe Ruth (10), Barry Bonds (10), Ted Williams (eight), Eddie Yost (seven) and Eddie Stanky (four).

The Athletic projected Soto will get a deal for 12 years worth $540 million. FanGraphs.com has it as 12 years for $576 million with MLBTradeRumors.com at 13 years for $600 million and ESPN at 13 years for $611 million.

Sounds like we are talking about monopoly money here, but at his young age with his resume on offense, teams with deep pockets will overlook his defense and get ready to sign a massive check.

Just a guess here, but this could happen fast. I am guessing Soto’s negotiations really heat up during the Winter Meetings and maybe he signs then or not long after.

USA Today’s Bob Nightengale wrote this week: “While there’s not a team in baseball who wouldn’t desire Soto, baseball executives believe the finalists for his services will be the Yankees, Mets, Toronto Blue Jays and San Francisco Giants. The Blue Jays appear to be the popular dark-horse candidate.”

If the Soto domino falls early, teams that lose out could pivot toward a player like the O’s Anthony Santander. Soto’s new deal and possible new team could have big ramifications for others in free agency.