Of the several big names on the free agent market, Juan Soto is the one that sticks out above the rest as a potential mega-contract looms with his next landing spot.
In his seven years at the Major League level, Soto is already on a path toward all-time great numbers. This past season with the New York Yankees he batted .288/.419/.569 with 31 doubles, three triples, 41 home runs, 109 RBI and 128 runs scored.
As projections for Soto’s next contract creep into the 10-plus year, $600 million range, details about
possible preferences are trickling out.
Among the latest reports, it Soto might have a preference to sign with a team on the East Coast, per Mark Feinsand of MLB.com:
Word is that Soto prefers to stay on the East Coast, which would be an obstacle for the Dodgers or any other West Coast club.
The Dodgers being named as a primary West Coast team is mainly because of the bankroll they’d be able to dish out to acquire a generational bat that Soto has.
Since entering the league, Soto has 201 home runs, 592 RBI, 655 runs scored and a .953 on-base plus slugging percentage. His worst seasons came with the San Diego Padres in 2022 and 2023, which were prior to team trading Soto to the Yankees.
The Yankees and New York Mets have both been mentioned as having high levels of interest in Soto.
Should the Dodgers sign Juan Soto?
To potentially a bat like Soto, for just cash, is a no-brainer. His talent at the plate is undeniable and should not be overlooked just because of team-needs.
For an organization like the Dodgers, acquiring, and at the very minimum, inquiring with all-world players is what they do. But for the vacancies left in free agency, they have some other spots to fill.
Starting pitching, a corner outfielder and some bullpen arms, are all clear needs for the Dodgers. Soto would be a power move after defeating the Yankees in the World Series, and it’ll take the very top dollar to bring him into the clubhouse.
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