Dodgers Rumors: Juan Soto Nearing a Decision in Free Agency
Juan Soto – ranked as MLB’s No. 1 free agent – has been all the buzz this offseason. As the winter meetings approach, Buster Olney and Jeff Passan of ESPN gave insight into the free agent market. Although no deal is certain, Passan predicts Soto will sign a record-breaking contract soon, possibly before the winter meetings even begin on Monday.
“In a sea of misinformation about Soto’s plans, here is the reality: The end is near. Teams engaged in a third round of Soto bidding this week, and while no deal is imminent, one could materialize before the winter meetings officially begin Monday,” Passan wrote. “Wherever he goes, the contract is expected to set records for length and potentially overall value.”
More News: Dodgers Linked to $50 Million Gold Glove Outfielder in Potential Free Agent Signing
Olney agreed Soto would land a high-paying contract. He suggested a deal in the 15-year, $750 million range for the five-time Silver Slugger. Passan added that Soto has the potential to exceed the 2024 National League MVP, Shohei Ohtani’s, $10-year, $700 million contract from last offseason. Olney linked Soto to the New York Yankees, New York Mets, and Boston Red Sox.
Like most teams, the Dodgers are interested in the four-time All-Star. But, Los Angeles will likely avoid participating in a bidding war for Soto, especially because the Dodgers have already agreed to lucrative contracts with other free agents.
Los Angeles signed two-time Cy Young pitcher Blake Snell to a five-year, $182 million contract on Nov. 30. The franchise is also the favorite to acquire Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki, who will make his MLB debut in 2025.
Additionally, the Dodgers need to decide whether to re-sign outfielder Teoscar Hernández. Although Mookie Betts is moving back to the infield, it is unlikely Los Angeles will land two of the top free-agent outfielders.
Photo Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
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