The Los Angeles Dodgers have turned their attention to the outfield market after filling their top need with Blake Snell for their rotation.
Juan Soto is the best player available this offseason, and he’s one of the most coveted players to hit the open market in MLB history. At just 26-years-old, the outfielder is already on a Hall of Fame path.
The Dodgers have been in the mix for Soto and they were reportedly one of the clubs to make him an offer of at least $600 million.
Soto’s agent, Scott Boras, said the superstar has been in the process of eliminating teams from negotiations, and there is a widespread belief Soto could sign within the next week.
As negotiations near a close, the Dodgers remain one of the clubs in the mix to land Soto, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post:
All 5 teams — Yanks, Mets, Dodgers, Red Sox, Jays — remain in Juan Soto derby. And don’t assume anyone’s a heavy favorite. He is said very patient in his selection process (“like his at-bats”). But his decision is believed within days.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 5, 2024
In addition to the Dodgers, Soto also reportedly has offers from the Boston Red Sox, New York Mets, New York Yankees and Toronto Blue Jays, all of which have exceeded $600 million. Those are also the teams that have been most prominently connected to him throughout the process.
The incumbent Yankees and free-spending Mets have long been considered the two favorites to sign Soto, but the Red Sox have also seemingly made a strong impression.
As for the Dodgers, they have been seen as more on the outside looking in on the negotiations, but as they continue to linger in the sweepstakes, it’s impossible to totally rule them out.
If all money is similar, no team presents a better chance at winning than the Dodgers, and their stacked roster may be alluring to Soto. However, there is also some belief Soto would prefer to play on the East Coast, rather than the West Coast.
Regardless of where he ends up, Soto is going to receive a historic contract and he will likely enter the Hall of Fame one day with the cap of whichever team he chooses.
Dodgers moved on to Teoscar Hernández?
Although the Dodgers seemingly remain in the mix for Soto, Teoscar Hernández may be closing in on re-signing. There has been mutual interest between Hernández and the Dodgers from the outset of free agency, but their pursuit of Soto has delayed a reunion.
It is unclear if the Dodgers would be willing to sign both, but they could benefit from signing two outfielders this offseason as well. If only one is in the cards, then the Dodgers would likely agree to terms with Hernández quickly after Soto signs, unless he chooses L.A.
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