Star Outfielder Update Signals Trouble Ahead for Dodgers
The Los Angeles Dodgers have reportedly made a contract offer to free agent outfielder Juan Soto, joining several other teams, including the New York Yankees, New York Mets, Toronto Blue Jays, and Boston Red Sox, in pursuing the 26-year-old superstar. Soto is said to be seeking a massive 15-year, $700 million deal with the team he ultimately chooses.
Despite the offer, USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reports that the Dodgers are not considered serious contenders for Soto. The Yankees, Mets, Blue Jays, and Red Sox are viewed as the teams with the best chance of landing him. Nightengale suggests the Dodgers’ meeting with Soto may be more about driving up his price and applying pressure on outfielder Teoscar Hernandez to re-sign with them, especially since the Dodgers won a World Series without Soto.
Soto, who reportedly prefers the East Coast, is likely to sign with one of the Eastern-based teams, with the Mets currently seen as the favorites. The Mets’ deep pockets, led by owner Steve Cohen, could make them the frontrunner, while the Yankees are reportedly cautious about exceeding their price ceiling.
Coming off a stellar 2024 season, Soto posted a .288/.419/.569 slash line with 41 home runs and 109 RBIs. After being traded to the Yankees, he reached a career-high in homers, ranking fourth in MLB. In the postseason, Soto was instrumental in the Yankees’ success, leading the team in batting average, hits, and runs.
Even if the Dodgers miss out on Soto, their lineup remains packed with talent, including three MVP winners. Additionally, Soto is unlikely to sign with any division rival, sparing the Dodgers from facing him regularly in the future.
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