Featured Columnist IVNovember 19, 2024
Rob Tringali/MLB Photographs by way of Getty Photos
The Los Angeles Dodgers landed final offseason’s greatest prize in Shohei Ohtani, and they’re reportedly taking steps towards probably touchdown this offseason’s prime participant as properly.
Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reported Juan Soto and agent Scott Boras will meet with the Dodgers this week and presumably as early as Tuesday. The assembly will come after the slugger already met with the New York Yankees, Toronto Blue Jays, Boston Purple Sox and New York Mets.
Los Angeles signed Ohtani to a 10-year, $700 million deal final offseason, though nearly all of that cash was deferred till 2034.
That would give the workforce extra monetary flexibility, which it should want if it will signal Soto. Feinsand famous he’s anticipated to signal a contract value greater than $500 million and presumably greater than $600 million.
The Dodgers additionally provide extra than simply cash, as they’re reigning World Sequence champions. Soto is aware of that each one too properly, as Los Angeles defeated his New York Yankees in 5 video games within the Fall Basic.
“He’ll decide to a workforce for a minimum of a decade, in order that’s not shocking,” an American League govt mentioned when discussing how the likelihood to win will play into Soto’s determination. “Even when there’s an opt-out within the contract, you are most likely wanting on the subsequent 4 or 5 years. He’ll receives a commission irrespective of the place he goes, so if he can be ok with his probabilities of profitable, that is going to make an enormous distinction.”
With groups presumably keen to spend main cash and a transparent understanding of which golf equipment provide the most effective probability to win, it won’t take lengthy for Soto to decide.
Feinsand famous that call may even come earlier than the Winter Conferences begin on Dec. 9.
The remainder of the league absolutely would not love him signing with the Dodgers.
In any case, they simply received the World Sequence with out Soto of their lineup and could possibly be even higher in 2025 if Ohtani pitches after he simply targeted on hitting in 2024 as he recovered from surgical procedure. A lineup that includes the likes of Mookie Betts, Ohtani, Freddie Freeman and Soto is a downright terrifying prospect for opposing pitchers.
Maybe Los Angeles being within the sweepstakes will inspire different groups to supply much more to Soto as their pursuit continues. As a result of the Dodgers would absolutely be the World Sequence favorites as soon as once more in the event that they landed him.
