MLB Free Brokers 2024: Predictions on Juan Soto, Pete Alonso and Dodgers Amid Rumors
0 of three
Daniel Shirey/MLB Images by way of Getty Photographs
The Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees are within the midst of the World Sequence, however that doesn’t imply the 2 organizations haven’t already turned their consideration to the offseason, particularly in terms of prized free agent Juan Soto.
Each are getting an in depth have a look at the 26-year-old within the Fall Traditional, and in response to new insider experiences, each will probably be among the many groups bidding on his companies.
Dive deeper into the most recent report on Soto, in addition to an replace on Mets star Pete Alonso and predictions on who the Dodgers might find yourself with on this assortment of rumors.
The Dodgers Have Entered the Juan Soto Sweepstakes
1 of three
Daniel Shirey/MLB Images by way of Getty Photographs
It was solely a matter of time earlier than the Los Angeles Dodgers entered the chat on impending free agent Juan Soto.
Jon Heyman of the New York Submit reported, “The Dodgers, arguably baseball’s finest offense already—it is both them or the Yankees—intend to make a play for Soto “‘if he is ,’ sources say.”
How life like it’s, although, is the query. “As for Soto and the Dodgers, a Yankees particular person had two phrases: “By no means occur,” Heyman wrote.
The veteran author and MLB insider reiterated that the Mets and Yankees are the 2 groups most probably (and financially ready) to compete for Soto’s companies whereas additionally revealing that these within the Yankees group view the Blue Jays as a doable exterior risk.
It’s no surprise that any of these 4 groups would have curiosity in Soto.
He simply celebrated his twenty sixth birthday and is coming off a season through which he achieved profession highs in hits (166), runs (128), and homers (41). He’s taking part in within the World Sequence with essentially the most seen franchise is baseball historical past and was a serious a part of that crew’s return to the Fall Traditional.
He’s a generational participant in an period the place that label is enormously overused and a game-changer for any crew he performs for. The Yankees understandably need to maintain onto that magic and hope they’ll depend on the expertise he has had to this point with the group to assist counter what’s more likely to be a large supply from Mets proprietor Steve Cohen.
And, probably, the Dodgers.
And the Blue Jays.
It is not going to be straightforward and should not occur in any respect.
The Mets are a company that might profit from having of their lineup day-after-day, alongside Francisco Lindor, Brandon Nimmo and, probably, Pete Alonso.
The query is whether or not it comes all the way down to cash or championship alternative.
The Mets, Dodgers, and Yankees are three organizations presently in a championship window however the place Soto opts to signal will possible come all the way down to which one ponies up essentially the most spectacular deal.
Prediction: Soto indicators with the Mets
What to Anticipate from the Mets-Pete Alonso Negotiations
2 of three
Daniel Shirey/MLB Images by way of Getty Photographs
Pete Alonso solidified his place in Mets lore within the NL Wild Card Recreation 3 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers when he obliterated a Devin Williams pitch for a house run and secured the crew’s development to the NLDS.
He was already immensely well-liked with Mets followers, however he wanted that playoff second to safe his place in historical past and make sure that, if it was his closing postseason with the group, it will be a memorable one.
SNY Mets insider Anthony DiComo reported that the crew will negotiate critically with Alonso this offseason however in all probability is not going to signal him “at any price.”
Regardless of the love and admiration the group and its followers have for Alonso, that’s in all probability a good method.
The Polar Bear performed in all 162 video games in 2024, for the primary time in his profession, however had an in any other case statistically down season. His 34 residence runs have been the fewest because the COVID-shortened 2020 season—his RBI, too. His strikeouts have been his highest since his rookie season in 2019.
He’s nonetheless a premier energy hitter, a man who can blast a pitch out of the park at any second, however he hit fewer significant residence runs within the 2024 common season than some other 12 months of his profession.
Defensively, he performed a few of his finest ball at first base. His .995 fielding proportion at first base tied his 2023 numbers for finest in his profession. He made powerful catches and secured some tough outs.
Alonso is a participant who will completely be coveted by groups in want of a primary baseman or trying to beef up their lineup, even at DH. He nonetheless has the instruments to be a game-changing, MVP sort. The query is whether or not he’s that participant in Queens or elsewhere.
The reply, seemingly straightforward, is finally dependent upon the place Soto indicators and the way lengthy that domino takes to fall.
Prediction: Alonso stays with the Mets, re-signing at a decrease quantity than he may need gotten elsewhere
Dodgers Free Company Predictions
3 of three
Sarah Stier/Getty Photographs
The Dodgers have by no means met a high-priced, high-value free agent they didn’t love.
With that method to crew constructing as soon as once more touchdown them within the World Sequence, there isn’t any cause to imagine the group is not going to take that method once more this offseason.
Regardless of the rumors from Heyman concerning Soto and the crew, there are larger wants in Los Angeles than one other outfielder.
The Dodgers have a apparent want at shortstop, and there simply occurs to be a top-tier participant at that place out there in free company.
Milwaukee Brewers principal proprietor Mark Attanasio already admitted the group will possible lose Willy Adames to free company, telling reporters, “He will get an infinite free-agent contract, and I am very completely satisfied for him and his household, and we’ll give it our greatest shot. However there’s rather a lot deeper pockets on the market. That is simply the fact.”
Adames tallied 153 hits, 112 RBI, and 32 residence runs for the Brewers in 2024, whereas slashing .251/.331/.462.
He’s going to make a big amount of cash this low season, possible from one of many large spenders trying to improve at one of many key positions within the infield.
Just like the Dodgers.
Los Angeles will possible additionally goal a beginning pitcher or two, however Adames fills a really clear want and would add much more pop to a lineup that’s practically unstoppable as it’s.
He makes extra sense than some other title linked to the crew at this level.
Prediction: The wealthy get richer because the Dodgers signal Adames