The star outfielder's free agency Juan SotoUndeniably the No. 1 player on the market, he hasn't yet reached the point where teams are making offers. Instead, Soto and agent Scott Boras have spent the last few weeks meeting with the brain trusts of several interested clubs, including this one New York Yankees, New York Mets and the Los Angeles Dodgers. Soto and Boras reportedly faced another title contender this week: the Philadelphia Phillies.
We at CBS Sports have been highlighting Soto's potential fits all winter long. Today that means examining three reasons why Soto fits in Philadelphia Phillies makes sense.
Let's get down to business.
1. Willing possession, winning situation
One of Soto's reported priorities in choosing his next team is joining a franchise whose owner is committed to winning. Exactly what that means is anyone's guess – we'd have to assume that any winner willing to perform for Soto would meet the requirements. Regardless, we believe that any sober analysis of these things will conclude that Phillies owner John Middleton is a person who seems to understand what professional sports is all about and how he fits into the equation.
“It’s remarkable how special this city is as a fan base. That's why I keep telling everyone: It may be a private company that we own, but it's not a private organization. It is a very public organization. It’s a responsibility.” . “We have an obligation. We are accountable to the fans and the city. If you don’t approach it that way, I don’t think you should be an owner.”
Middleton has followed his words with actions. The Phillies have fielded a top-five player list in each of the last four seasons. They have made significant free agent investments Bryce Harper, Trea TurnerAnd Zack Wheeler; You have achieved extensions with Wheeler and Aaron Nola to hold their core in place; and so forth. That they were rewarded with three consecutive trips to the postseason is just barely. With or without Soto, there's a good chance they'll extend this streak to at least four players.
2. Payroll flexibility
On the budget component, the Phillies have the opportunity to add another big salary to their collection with several big deals nearing completion.
This time next year, more than $40 million will be freed before expiration Kyle Schwarber And JT Realmutos pacts; The winter after that will see Nick Castellanos And Taijuan Walker – along with almost $40 million in other commitments – sure.
Clearly there's more to this than just money in and out. The Phillies need to calculate how spending $40 million per year on one player will impact their roster construction, rather than spreading it across three or four players. But just in terms of sheer opportunity and purchasing power, they have the ability to make a competitive offer without plunging their payroll into uncharted territory
3. Familiar faces
Now, mind you, the only faces that really matter in this process are the green ones. Everything else ranges from trivial to irrelevant. Still, we feel compelled to point out that Soto would reunite with several former colleagues if he were to sign with the Phillies.
You can start that count with Bryce Harper, who shared an outfield with Soto during the 2018 season Washington Nationals. The Phillies also employ shortstop Trea Turner, hitting coach Kevin Long and special assistant to the general manager Howie Kendrick – all of whom either played with or coached Soto in D.C
Does any of this matter? Here too we are skeptical.
In the broadest sense, Soto's fit with the Phillies would be the same as with any other team. In the short term, he would play a corner-outfield slot and bat at the top of the order; In the long run, he could slip into the DH role if he loses a step.
We suspect the Phillies are a little different from the average suitor in one respect: They already have two big left-handed bats at the top of their lineup in Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper. For some reason, we just don't think manager Rob Thomson would mind if he had to hit Soto back-to-back with one of these lefties.
Of course, the Phillies aren't the only ones pursuing Soto. Most of the league's high rollers are involved to some extent. The Yankees, Mets, Dodgers, Blue JaysAnd Red Sox I also had meetings with Soto and Boras.
We'll see how the interview process goes, but it's easy to see why the Phillies are interested in meeting Soto and how he might fit into their dream scenario – even if they aren't among the favorites to land him.