Juan Soto is the marquee name available in free agency this offseason, and his list of suitors thus far is primarily centered around the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets.
Soto and Scott Boras began meeting with teams in Southern California last week, and the Dodgers reportedly sat down with the group on Tuesday.
While the Dodgers may be more on the periphery in the Soto sweepstakes, most have predicted a battle between the Yankees and Mets.
During a Bleacher Report stream, Jon Heyman said the Mets might be the team to beat for Soto at this juncture in free agency:
“As we sit here today, I’d make the favorite the Mets. Because Steve Cohen is there, I think they had a very good meeting, I think Soto probably believes longterm they’re going to be in great shape. … Me, if I had to pick a favorite right now, I might say Mets. Blue Jays also have the wherewithal to do it. I think they’ve got a good shot.
“Obviously the Yankees have a good shot, and then I think the Red Sox, Dodgers and Phillies all have a shot. Cannot rule any of them out.”
Boras previously suggested Soto would not make a quick decision in free agency. There’s been a growing sentiment of late that the 26-year-old will sign with a team before or during the Winter Meetings in Dallas.
There is some thought Soto may prefer signing with an East Coast team. However, he was also believed to be open to a contract extension with the San Diego Padres before being traded to the Yankees.
Do the Dodgers need Juan Soto?
Being in position to add a player of Soto’s caliber to the lineup would certainly improve the Dodgers, and they do face a need in right field because of Mookie Betts moving back to the infield.
However, L.A. could just as easily re-sign Teoscar Hernández to play left field or right field, and also address their starting rotation for just as much and likely less money than the projected $600 million contract Soto is expected to command.
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