Scott Polacek@@ScottPolacekIncluded Columnist IVNovember 19, 2024
Rob Tringali/MLB Photos through Getty Images
The Los Angeles Dodgers landed last offseason’s greatest reward in Shohei Ohtani, and they are apparently taking actions towards possibly landing this offseason’s leading gamer.
Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reported Juan Soto and representative Scott Boras will consult with the Dodgers today and potentially as early as Tuesday. The conference will follow the slugger currently met the New York Yankees, Toronto Blue Jays, Boston Red Sox and New York Mets.
Los Angeles signed Ohtani to a 10-year, $700 million offer last offseason, although most of that cash was delayed up until 2034.
That might offer the group more monetary versatility, which it will require if it is going to sign Soto. Feinsand noted he is anticipated to sign an agreement worth more than $500 million and perhaps more than $600 million.
The Dodgers likewise use more than simply cash, as they are ruling World Series champs. Soto understands that all too well, as Los Angeles beat his New York Yankees in 5 video games in the Fall Classic.
“He’s going to dedicate to a group for a minimum of a years, so that’s not unexpected,” an American League executive stated when going over how the possibility to win will play into Soto’s choice. “Even if there’s an opt-out in the agreement, you’re most likely taking a look at the next 4 or 5 years. He’s going to get paid no matter where he goes, so if he can feel great about his possibilities of winning, that’s going to make a huge distinction.”
With groups probably happy to invest significant cash and a clear understanding of which clubs use the very best opportunity to win, it may not take wish for Soto to decide.
Feinsand kept in mind that choice might even come before the Winter Meetings begin on Dec. 9.
The remainder of the league definitely would not enjoy him signing with the Dodgers.
They simply won the World Series without Soto in their lineup and might be even much better in 2025 if Ohtani pitches after he simply focused on striking in 2024 as he recuperated from surgical treatment. A lineup including the similarity Mookie Betts, Ohtani, Freddie Freeman and Soto is a downright scary possibility for opposing pitchers.
Maybe Los Angeles remaining in the sweepstakes will encourage other groups to provide a lot more to Soto as their pursuit continues. Due to the fact that the Dodgers would definitely be the World Series favorites when again if they landed him.