Each offseason, the free agent market is loaded with a few of the finest gamers in baseball. On the prime of each free agent rating this offseason is 26-year-old outfielder Juan Soto.
His age, skillset, and postseason dominance have grabbed the eye of a number of groups, together with the reigning World Collection champions. The Dodgers have expressed curiosity in Soto and have a historical past of buying the highest expertise within the offseason.
Nevertheless, MLB insider Bob Nightengale of USA Immediately doesn’t view the Dodgers as contenders for the four-time MLB All-Star. As an alternative, Nightengale hyperlinks Soto to the New York Mets, New York Yankees, Toronto Blue Jays, or Boston Pink Sox as practical touchdown spots.
Extra Information: Dodgers Shortstop Suspended for One Yr Following Optimistic Drug Check
After a season-and-a-half with the San Diego Padres, the franchise traded Soto to the Yankees. He spent the whole lot of final season with New York, ending because the World Collection runner-ups to the Dodgers.
This season, Soto ranked within the prime 5 of the American League for runs (128), residence runs (41), on-base share (.419), slugging share (.569), OPS (.988), plate appearances (713), and RBIs (109). He additionally earned the fifth Silver Slugger award of his seven-season profession. Soto is predicted to command a profitable multi-year contract, probably within the $700 million vary.
Nightengale added that the Dodgers met with Soto and his agent. Though Nightengale doesn’t assume Los Angeles will get Soto, the assembly should have an effect on the free agent market.
“The Los Angeles Dodgers simply gained a World Collection with out Soto, and it wasn’t a lot of an inconvenience to drive by way of site visitors throughout city, and meet with Soto and agent Scott Boras,” Nightengale wrote. “The assembly helps maybe drive the value up for Soto, and much more essential, places just a little stress on outfielder Teoscar Hernandez into re-signing with them.”
Hernández rejected his qualifying provide from the Dodgers on Nov. 19. However, Los Angeles can nonetheless provide the two-time MLB All-Star the multi-year contract he has been searching for since final offseason.
After signing Cy Younger pitcher Blake Snell — who was additionally a preferred free agent — to a five-year, $182 million contract, it’s arduous to think about the Dodgers going after Soto. Nevertheless, with this workforce, something is feasible within the offseason.
Picture Credit score: Rafael Suanes-USA TODAY Sports activities
Have you ever subscribed to our YouTube Channel but? Subscribe and hit that notification bell to remain updated on all the most recent Dodgers information, rumors, interviews, dwell streams, and extra!
