SAN ANTONIO — Agent Scott Boras has hinted that Juan Soto might aim for a contract that surpasses Shohei Ohtani’s unprecedented $700 million deal, since Soto is three years younger than Ohtani was when he signed his contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

During a lively, pun-filled 48-minute presentation about the current market at the general managers’ meetings, Boras lauded Soto, calling him “the Mona Lisa of the museum.” He pointed out that only a select few players have achieved what Soto has accomplished by the age of 26, citing legends like Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, and Ted Williams, and he emphasized that Soto has a substantial 15 years left in his prime.

Boras remarked, “You’re talking about a business opportunity where you can make literally billions of dollars by acquiring somebody.” He stressed the challenges facing owners and general managers, who he referred to as needing to be “championship magicians,” to construct winning teams. He indicated that Soto would be a crucial part of that “magic.”

Ohtani’s mega contract, signed late last year, played a significant role in leading the Dodgers to their second World Series championship in five years. This deal features $680 million in deferred payments scheduled between 2034 and 2043, effectively lowering its average annual value for luxury tax calculations to about $46.08 million.

Boras, however, dismissed any substantial comparison between Ohtani and Soto. “I don’t think Ohtani has much to do with Juan Soto, at all,” he stated, adding that Soto’s unique status within his age bracket sets him apart. He refrained from disclosing detailed financial expectations for Soto’s next contract, saying, “I’m not going to talk about dollars and cents. That’s something we’ll take care of with the clubs.”

The agent particularly rejected the notion of Soto agreeing to deferred payments like Ohtani’s. He explained that tax implications shouldn’t overshadow the monumental potential earnings that come with acquiring a talent like Soto.

Boras injected humor into the discussions about several prominent free agents, using playful phrases: he commented on first baseman Pete Alonso, known as the Polar Bear, saying, “We hear a lot about the bear market for power-hitting first basemen. For Pete’s sake, it’s the polar opposite.” He also had quips for pitcher Corbin Burnes and others, maintaining a light-hearted tone throughout the review.

Soto, who was traded from Washington to San Diego in 2022 after rejecting a $440 million, 15-year proposition, moved to the New York Yankees last December. In the 2023 scene, Soto had an impressive performance, boasting a .288 batting average along with 41 home runs, 109 RBIs, and 128 runs scored while batting second in front of Aaron Judge. The Yankees are eager to keep Soto on their roster after his contributions helped them reach the World Series for the first time since 2009.

The New York Mets, fronted by billionaire owner Steve Cohen, are also likely contenders for Soto’s services. Boras noted, “The Mets are obviously trying to get to their goal, which is winning a world championship. I think they’ve been very clear about pursuing this aggressively.”

Soto is expected to engage with team owners who express interest in signing him. “I’m going to commit my career to it, and I want the owner to commit his resources to it,” Boras said, indicating Soto’s intentions behind his free agency.

Boras emphasized that Soto would bring significant financial benefits to whichever franchise secures his services. “When the owners win repeatedly, their revenues skyrocket. They develop the impact of postseason play, attendance, rights in the streaming world, plus the international branding,” he explained.

The impact of revenue disruptions from broadcast issues should have little influence on the market, according to Boras. He noted the slow offseason last year after Diamond Sports Group’s bankruptcy. He reassured that clubs have turned down contracts from regional sports networks and are focusing on creating their platforms instead.

Lastly, he reiterated that Bryce Harper remains open to expanding his existing deal with the Philadelphia Phillies, which encapsulates a $330 million, 13-year contract lasting until 2031.