Juan Soto’s free company continues to be the primary storyline of the 2024 offseason, and on Tuesday, Soto’s agent, Scott Boras, supplied an enormous replace on his celebrity’s plans.
Boras mentioned to J.P. Hoornstra of Newsweek Sports activities that Soto has “begun the method of eliminating groups.” He additionally mentioned his signing just isn’t imminent.
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Many baseball insiders have speculated that Soto might signal earlier than the tip of the Winter Conferences, which occur subsequent week in Dallas. Whereas that might nonetheless very nicely be the case, Soto and Boras aren’t going to hurry their resolution. Nevertheless, it’s a giant step that groups are beginning to get eradicated.
The Dodgers are one of many six groups who’ve been closely linked to Soto, however they look like an extended shot in comparison with the opposite golf equipment. The New York Mets, New York Yankees, Boston Purple Sox, and Toronto Blue Jays all seem like making large efforts to signal Soto. The Philadelphia Phillies are a staff that retains getting introduced up, too.
Soto is broadly anticipated to get a contract that exceeds $600 million, and doubtlessly even reaches $700 million. Soto is coming off a 2024 season during which he slashed .288/.419/.569 with a career-high 41 residence runs and 109 RBIs. He made his fourth All-Star staff and completed third in American League MVP voting behind his teammate Aaron Choose and Kansas Metropolis Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr.
Whereas the Dodgers have a transparent want within the outfield, it seems extra possible they give the impression of being to retain Teoscar Hernández, who will price a fraction of the value of the 26-year-old Soto. Nevertheless, till the Dodgers are formally dominated out, Andrew Friedman and co. can by no means be counted out to make a splash.
Picture Credit score: Brad Penner-Imagn Pictures
