MLB analyst confident that Juan Soto will sign a record contract with San Diego Padres: "Something excessively long like 18 years"

Although Juan Soto hit a solo home run for the Dominican Republic in last night's World Baseball Classic showdown, his team eventually fell 5-2 to their rivals. While Soto might be heading back to Padres training camp, his season is only just beginning.

Despite being only 24 years of age, Juan Soto is becoming known as one of the most dynamic and all-round players in the MLB. As we have begun to see, he is also one of the most-sought after players.

"Juan Soto drives a monster blast as Team Dominican Republic answers back! #WorldBaseballClassic" MLB

In an effort to avoid arbitration, Soto and the San Diego Padres agreed to a one-year deal worth $23 million for 2023. What Soto might do next year upon the expiry of that contract remains an area of speculation.

Soto was traded along with first baseman Josh Bell from the Washington Nationals at the August deadline in 2022. In 52 games for the San Diego Padres after the trade, Soto hit .236/.388/.390 with six home runs and 16 RBIs.

"Juan Soto reportedly rejected a 13-year, $350M contract from the Nationals before the lockout" Baseball Bros

In a recent piece for CBS Sports, analyst Matt Snyder was discussing whether or not the Padres will be able to keep Soto when his contract expires after the 2023 season. Snyder firmly believes that the Padres would make a serious play to keep Soto, and offered the following comments:

"Keeping that in mind in addition to Soto only being 24 years old, I'm expecting something that looks excessively long (18 years?!?!). Regardless, I'm very confident it happens."

The San Diego Padres set the record for the longest MLB contract length when they penned a 14-year deal with Fernando Tatis Jr. in 2021.

In addition to the large price tag attached to Tatis, the Padres have other costs to keep an eye on. Manny Machado, the 2022 NL-runner up, was re-signed for $350 million over 11 years while former Boston Red Sox shortstop Xander Bogaerts penned another 11-year deal this offseason, worth $300 million.

Juan Soto has the potential to be a franchise player for his team

The Padres knew exactly what they wanted in the Soto trade. Unlike his former team, the Nationals, the Padres know that a World Series is in their grasp. The Padres know how good Juan Soto is and will do everything in their capacity to keep him around.