In the previous article, we analyzed how Juan Soto’s 2024 season stats have enhanced his value in free agency. We also explored how his former team, the Yankees, is working to retain him, as well as why their rivals, the Red Sox, have offered him a massive 13-year, $625 million contract. The Red Sox’s motives for this offer were also discussed in detail.
In this article, we’ll focus on three other teams—the Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Mets, and Toronto Blue Jays—all of whom have shown strong interest in acquiring Juan Soto. What contributions could Soto bring to these teams? What kind of contract offers might these teams make to attract him? Let’s break it down.
4️⃣ The Dodgers: Can Soto Help Them Maintain Their Championship Form?
Fresh off their 2024 World Series victory, the Los Angeles Dodgers are still aggressive in strengthening their roster during the 2024–2025 offseason. They recently signed former Cy Young winner Blake Snell to a 5-year, $182 million deal to address their lack of left-handed starters. Now, the Dodgers are leveraging their luxurious payroll flexibility to target Juan Soto and further enhance their offensive firepower.
Dodgers’ Offense in 2024
The Dodgers relied on their stellar offensive lineup to secure the 2024 championship:
- Batting average: .258 (4th in MLB)
- On-base percentage: .335 (2nd)
- Slugging percentage: .446 (1st)
- Runs scored: 842 (5.20 per game, 2nd to the Arizona Diamondbacks in the NL West)
Despite their success, the outfield was a relative weak spot in the Dodgers’ offensive production. Collectively, Dodgers outfielders had:
- Batting average: .239 (21st in MLB)
- On-base percentage: .305 (17th)
- Slugging percentage: .415 (11th)
These numbers indicate that while the Dodgers were dominant overall, their outfield performance lagged behind other areas of the team. Moreover, several key outfielders from 2024 are likely to leave in free agency, including standout left fielder Teoscar Hernandez. Hernandez posted a strong .272/.339/.501 slash line (wRC+ 134) and provided crucial offensive value, but he’s now drawing high interest from other teams and is unlikely to return.
Young outfielders such as Andy Pages and James Outman haven’t matured enough to fill the void. Outman, in particular, struggled in 2024, posting a wRC+ of just 54 as his plate discipline and hitting consistency significantly declined from 2023.
The Need for Juan Soto
With uncertainties in their outfield lineup, signing Soto would be an ideal solution. Soto would immediately address the Dodgers’ outfield offensive deficiencies and provide stability. Furthermore, Soto’s left-handed power would complement the lineup’s right-handed stars like Mookie Betts and Will Smith.
The Financial Challenge
The Dodgers have already committed significant resources during the offseason, including:
- Blake Snell’s 5-year, $182 million deal
- Tommy Edman’s 5-year, $74 million contract extension
- Shohei Ohtani’s 10-year, $700 million deal, signed in the previous offseason, which remains a major payroll commitment
Given these obligations, signing Soto would push the Dodgers well above MLB’s $241 million luxury tax threshold for 2025. Meeting Soto’s expected price—likely a 14–15 year contract worth $500–550 million with an average annual value exceeding $40 million—would result in significant tax penalties.
Conclusion
While Soto would significantly bolster the Dodgers’ outfield and help them maintain their competitive edge, the financial implications and luxury tax penalties present considerable obstacles. The Dodgers must weigh the benefits of adding Soto against the financial strain it would place on their payroll.
5️⃣ The Mets: Rebuilding a Championship-Caliber Team
The New York Mets had a rollercoaster 2024 season, starting poorly but making an impressive run to the playoffs as the third NL Wild Card seed. They defeated the Milwaukee Brewers in the Wild Card Series and the Philadelphia Phillies in the Division Series before falling 4–2 to the Dodgers in the NLCS.
Despite their playoff success, the Mets’ outfield production was underwhelming:
- Batting average: .243 (15th in MLB)
- On-base percentage: .312 (13th)
- Slugging percentage: .387 (20th)
These metrics highlight the need for upgrades in the outfield. Additionally, several key offensive players, including Pete Alonso, Harrison Bader, and J.D. Martinez, have entered free agency, creating further uncertainty.
Why Soto?
Adding Soto would address the Mets’ biggest weakness: outfield production. Soto’s left-handed bat would balance the lineup, complementing right-handed outfielders like Starling Marte and Jose Siri. Moreover, his ability to get on base and deliver power would elevate the Mets’ offense.
The Contract Mets Might Offer
ESPN’s David Schoenfield projects that the Mets could offer Soto a 13-year, $611 million contract with an average annual value of $47 million. The departure of multiple free agents—including Alonso, Sean Manaea, and Jose Quintana—would free up significant payroll space, enabling the Mets to make a competitive offer.
Conclusion
With Soto, the Mets would solidify their outfield and inject elite offensive production into their lineup. However, their ability to sign him hinges on efficiently reallocating payroll resources and addressing other roster needs.
6️⃣ The Blue Jays: Can Soto Revitalize a Struggling Offense?
The Toronto Blue Jays experienced a disappointing 2024 season, finishing 74–88 and last in the AL East. Once a playoff contender, the team’s offensive struggles led to a sharp decline:
- Batting average: .241 (19th in MLB)
- On-base percentage: .313 (13th)
- Slugging percentage: .389 (20th)
Outfield production was particularly weak, with the group collectively posting a league-worst .210 batting average and bottom-tier OBP and SLG metrics. Key outfielders like George Springer and Kevin Kiermaier underperformed or missed significant time, while Daulton Varsho underwent shoulder surgery and is uncertain for 2025.
Why Soto?
Signing Soto would immediately improve the Blue Jays’ outfield and overall offensive production. As a proven slugger, Soto would also provide stability for a team undergoing a transitional period.
The Financial Challenge
With an estimated payroll of $189 million in 2024, the Blue Jays have room to make a significant offer. However, competing against wealthier teams like the Yankees, Red Sox, and Dodgers could force the Blue Jays to stretch their limits. A competitive offer might need to exceed 14 years and $500 million, a significant gamble for a team in transition.
Conclusion
While Soto would dramatically improve the Blue Jays’ offense, financial constraints and the team’s need to rebuild may make signing him an unrealistic goal. Alternatively, they could target other free agents like Pete Alonso to address their needs.
Conclusion of Part 2
The Dodgers, Mets, and Blue Jays each present compelling cases for pursuing Juan Soto, but financial and roster dynamics pose challenges. In Part 3, we will evaluate the potential landing spots for Soto, summarize the strengths and weaknesses of each team’s pitch, and make predictions about his future destination.
Sources:
- NowNews
- Fangraphs
- Sportrac
- MLB.com
- ESPN
- Baseball Reference
- Sports Illustrated
- CBS Sports
- Yahoo News
- Sporting News
A Fan's MLB Insight 
發表留言