Fans who’ve been eagerly awaiting updates on Juan Soto’s future were caught off-guard on Tuesday. The Dominican superstar appeared in a 30-second clip that quickly took over social media. The video, which had everyone on edge, opened with Soto dressed to the nines and seated in front of a row of microphones. His tone was serious as he began, “This wasn’t an easy decision.”. 

The line had fans on the edge of their seats, wondering if the long-rumored trade talks were finally coming to a head. But the suspense quickly gave way to something entirely unexpected. Instead of making any announcements related to his future in baseball, Soto reached for a hat—not a team cap, but one emblazoned with the word ‘Celsius’. Yes, the energy drink brand. 

Juan Soto’s big announcement isn’t what fans thought

The clip was a promotional reveal for Soto’s new partnership with Celsius. But it sent social media into a frenzy as fans realized they’d been baited into thinking it was a big trade or free agency announcement. With Soto’s future still uncertain, this post momentarily tricked fans into thinking a major baseball-related decision was on the horizon—his sharply dressed, serious demeanor at the beginning of the video added to this drama. Nonetheless, Juan Soto ended the video by saying, “What? Were you expecting a different announcement?” adding more playfulness. The clip went viral almost immediately, with fans and media alike reacting to the surprising twist.

While this latest development may not have been what fans were hoping for in terms of Soto’s baseball future, it certainly got people talking. With the offseason heating up, the speculations around Soto’s deal are getting intense. No fewer than five teams have already expressed serious interest in the 26-year-old slugger. Juan Soto is widely considered one of the best hitters in baseball, and it’s becoming clear that the market for his services will be elite—a price tag that could rival the record-shattering deal Shohei Ohtani signed with the Dodgers. 

Can the Dodgers make the most-feared MLB team?

Soto is expected to command a deal worth somewhere in the neighborhood of Ohtani’s historic $700 million contract. There is a possibility of even exceeding it over a longer term. Given his age, talent, and potential to reshape a franchise, Soto is to become one of the most coveted players in MLB history. Teams across the league are already making their moves. However, the question on everyone’s mind is whether Los Angeles can somehow manage to land both Soto and Ohtani.

If the Dodgers pull this off, Juan Soto will be added to a roster already featuring Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and a host of other stars. What will happen to the rest of the MLB teams then; will there be any chances left for a fair competition? Well, if the team does get this deal, the possibility of a Dodgers dynasty would become more real than ever—imagine an offense that would be borderline unbeatable—that’s one scary thought for opposing pitchers and an absolute nightmare for the rest of the league. 

But let’s be real; cracking this deal won’t be easy. There are multiple suitors in the hunt for Soto’s services. Some teams will offer him a chance to be the cornerstone of their future. The Padres, for example, have a strong case with their young core and championship aspirations. Others, like the Yankees, Mets, and possibly the Red Sox, will also be in play, willing to land one of the game’s brightest stars.