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The Los Angeles Dodgers landed last offseason’s biggest prize in Shohei Ohtani, and they are reportedly taking steps toward potentially landing this offseason’s top player as well.
Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reported Juan Soto and agent Scott Boras will meet with the Dodgers this week and possibly as early as Tuesday. The meeting will come after the slugger already met with the New York Yankees, Toronto Blue Jays, Boston Red Sox and New York Mets.
Los Angeles signed Ohtani to a 10-year, $700 million deal last offseason, although the majority of that money was deferred until 2034.
That could give the team more financial flexibility, which it will need if it is going to sign Soto. Feinsand noted he is expected to sign a contract worth more than $500 million and possibly more than $600 million.
The Dodgers also offer more than just money, as they are reigning World Series champions. Soto knows that all too well, as Los Angeles defeated his New York Yankees in five games in the Fall Classic.
“He’s going to commit to a team for at least a decade, so that’s not surprising,” an American League executive said when discussing how the possibility to win will play into Soto’s decision. “Even if there’s an opt-out in the contract, you’re probably looking at the next four or five years. He’s going to get paid no matter where he goes, so if he can feel good about his chances of winning, that’s going to make a big difference.”
With teams presumably willing to spend major money and a clear understanding of which clubs offer the best chance to win, it might not take long for Soto to make a decision.
Feinsand noted that decision could even come before the Winter Meetings start on Dec. 9.
The rest of the league surely wouldn’t love him signing with the Dodgers.
After all, they just won the World Series without Soto in their lineup and could be even better in 2025 if Ohtani pitches after he just focused on hitting in 2024 as he recovered from surgery. A lineup featuring the likes of Mookie Betts, Ohtani, Freddie Freeman and Soto is a downright terrifying prospect for opposing pitchers.
Perhaps Los Angeles being in the sweepstakes will motivate other teams to offer even more to Soto as their pursuit continues. Because the Dodgers would surely be the World Series favorites once again if they landed him.
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