After a red-hot start to the season, the New York Yankees have cooled off tremendously.
Despite the concern in the Bronx, we all know how long of a season baseball is.
With general manager Brian Cashman expected to make some moves at the trade deadline, it’s safe to assume the Bombers will get things back on track eventually.
Throughout the turbulence, one of the most consistent bright spots for the Yankees has been slugger Juan Soto who has more than lived up to the hype ever since coming over from the San Diego Padres.
In many ways, Soto seems like a perfect Yankee.
While many players shrink in the spotlight, Soto has embraced the big stage of the Bronx and feels more than comfortable wearing the famous pinstripes.
The combination he and Aaron Judge have formed has been downright scary.
Currently playing out the final year of his contract, Soto is set to break the bank this coming offseason.
While he may not quite reach Shohei Ohtani figures, he won’t be THAT far off by the time ink meets paper.
Most fans assume he will end up staying with the Yankees. However, Jon Heyman of the New York Post indicated that that may not necessarily be the case.
While the cross-town rival New York Mets have been looked upon as a possible contender for Soto, Heyman pointed to another club who may swoop in and snatch him up – the Los Angeles Dodgers!
Yes, the same Dodgers who just spent over $1.2 billion on free agents this past winter. As it turns out, they may not be done fishing just yet.
“Dodgers,” Heyman said of teams to watch out for. “They’re always a threat, and don’t think their $1.4 billion winter spending spree means they are tapped out. They rarely pass up a chance to at least play for the biggest and best.”
Financial constraints are rarely a concern for the Dodgers’ front office, and acquiring Soto, a generational talent represented by superagent Scott Boras, would further solidify their dominance.
Soto, at just 25 years old, has already achieved remarkable success in the Majors.
His accolades include a World Series title, four All-Star appearances (including this season), two All-MLB First-Team selections, four Silver Slugger awards, and an NL batting title.
The extent of the Dodgers’ interest in Soto remains uncertain, but they are unlikely to pass up the opportunity to at least explore the possibility of signing him.
Soto is expected to land one of the largest contracts in MLB history.
Needless to say, there would be chaos in Yankee Land if Cashman (and owner Hal Steinbrenner) allow another club to steal Soto away from them.
Can you picture that actually happening? … If so, do you think it will be the Dodgers who do so?
Or do you think it’s a virtual lock that the Yankees end up resigning Soto?
When it’s all said and done, what do you think his contract figures will end up looking like???