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Baseball

The Dodgers' Contract Spree and the Soto Sweepstakes

2024-11-26

The Los Angeles Dodgers have long been a force to be reckoned with in baseball. A year ago, their decision to commit over $1.2 billion in future contract obligations to a select group of talented players, with Shohei Ohtani at the forefront, sparked a significant narrative. Now, Juan Soto's record-setting 10-year, $700 million contract might be in jeopardy this winter. Soto, three years younger than Ohtani was a year ago, is attracting intense bidding from teams like the New York Mets, New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, and Toronto Blue Jays. Early reports suggest that the winning bid for Soto could even surpass what Ohtani will receive from the Dodgers.

Can the Dodgers Stay in the Soto Race?

Despite the Dodgers' significant financial commitments, they are not completely out of the Soto sweepstakes. This month, they became the fifth team to meet with Soto in person. Due to the deferred salary in Ohtani's contract, the Dodgers only owe him $2 million a year through 2023. This financial flexibility allows them to spend somewhat freely in free agency during Ohtani's time in Los Angeles. The Dodgers' recent World Series victory has added another layer of complexity to the Soto situation. At least one prominent voice in baseball media, Chris "Mad Dog" Russo, has expressed concerns about the Dodgers getting Soto. Russo believes that it would be bad for baseball if the Dodgers added another star player like Soto. He questions how much is enough for the Dodgers, who already have Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Ohtani, and are rumored to be close to signing Roki Sasaki from Japan. Mookie Betts is making $435 million, and Freddie Freeman is also earning a significant amount. Russo wonders when the Dodgers will have enough and if they should be allowed to continue getting richer.

The Mets' Early Edge

Russo and Heyman both gave the Mets the early edge in the Soto sweepstakes. This could be seen as wishful thinking, but it also highlights the complexity of gauging the health of the baseball industry. Just because a team is the best doesn't mean they will always get the best free agent. The Mets have the potential to offer a lucrative contract to Soto and build on their recent success. They have the resources and fan base to make a strong bid for the young outfielder. However, the competition is fierce, and other teams like the Yankees, Red Sox, and Blue Jays are also vying for Soto's services. Each team has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the outcome of the Soto sweepstakes remains uncertain.

The Yankees' Pursuit

The New York Yankees are another team with deep pockets and a history of success. They have the financial ability to make a serious bid for Soto and add another star to their lineup. The Yankees' fan base is passionate and demanding, and a signing like Soto would generate significant excitement. However, they face competition from other teams and will need to make a strong case to convince Soto to join them. The Yankees will need to consider factors such as the team's current roster, the future of their young players, and the overall direction of the franchise. If they can strike the right balance, they could emerge as a serious contender for Soto's services.

The Red Sox's Interest

The Boston Red Sox have a rich history in baseball and are always looking to add talent to their roster. Soto's potential addition would give the Red Sox a boost in the outfield and strengthen their offense. The Red Sox have the resources to make a competitive offer to Soto and could offer him a chance to play in a winning environment. However, they also face challenges, including competition from other teams and the need to manage their salary cap. The Red Sox will need to carefully consider their options and make a decision that is in the best interest of the team.

The Blue Jays' Contention

The Toronto Blue Jays have been a rising force in baseball in recent years. They have a talented roster and are looking to take the next step. Soto's addition would give the Blue Jays a more potent offense and make them a serious contender in the American League. The Blue Jays have the financial resources to make a bid for Soto and could offer him a chance to play in a competitive environment. However, they will need to overcome the competition from other teams and convince Soto that Toronto is the right place for him. Each team's pursuit of Soto is a complex decision that involves multiple factors, and the outcome will have a significant impact on the future of baseball.