The Los Angeles Dodgers may be gearing up to add yet another star this offseason. According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Dodgers—rivals of the San Francisco Giants—are reportedly interested in acquiring superstar outfielder Juan Soto.
While Heyman suggests that the New York Yankees and New York Mets are the frontrunners to sign Soto, the Dodgers have deep pockets, making them a serious contender for any major free agent. It remains to be seen if they can convince the four-time All-Star to head back to the West Coast.
The timing of this rumor seems strategic. Given that Scott Boras is Soto’s agent, and Heyman often relays information directly from Boras, it’s likely the agent is looking to stir up interest, especially as the Dodgers hold a commanding 3-0 lead in the World Series. This scenario could help Boras escalate the stakes for Soto’s next contract.
By drawing in both the Yankees and Mets, Boras is setting up a potential bidding war. However, the Dodgers’ involvement would add another layer of complexity. No team wants to face Soto in a Dodgers uniform for the next decade, which could drive more aggressive offers from competing clubs to prevent that outcome.
In true Boras fashion, every angle will be leveraged to secure the best possible offer for Soto. Even if Soto has enjoyed his time in New York, Boras will create a narrative that teams like the Dodgers or even the Giants could be serious contenders. Boras’s reputation for maximizing his clients’ earnings is well-known, and Soto is no exception.
There’s no doubt the Dodgers will make an attempt to lure Soto from New York. With several big-market teams in the mix, the competition only increases Soto’s value.
Timing couldn’t be better for Soto, as he’s entering free agency following a stellar season. At 25, he hit .288/.419/.569 (180 wRC+) with 41 home runs, 109 RBIs, and 128 runs across 713 plate appearances, with many prime years still ahead—a key reason he’s such an enticing target.
In the end, Soto seems destined for a record-breaking contract. Whether the Dodgers’ interest is serious remains unclear, but with free agency just beginning, Boras already appears to be setting up a showdown between the two World Series contenders.