The Dodgers Are Much Better Off Without Juan Soto and His $765 Million Deal: Opinion
In Major League Baseball, few names generate as much excitement and controversy as Juan Soto. The 25-year-old outfielder is already a two-time All-Star, a World Series champion, and one of the most feared hitters in the game. His combination of elite power, plate discipline, and ability to get on base has made him one of the top players in the league. So when rumors circulated that the Los Angeles Dodgers were seriously considering acquiring Soto, many fans and analysts thought it would be a perfect fit. After all, the Dodgers are known for making splashy moves and adding star talent to an already loaded roster. However, despite the allure of Soto’s immense talent, there’s a strong case to be made that the Dodgers are much better off without him and his eye-popping $765 million price tag.
While Soto is undeniably talented, his massive contract and the long-term commitment it demands could have a significant negative impact on the Dodgers’ financial flexibility, roster construction, and long-term sustainability. Given the team’s deep pockets, the notion that they can absorb such a deal might seem like a minor concern, but the long-term implications are more complicated than simply paying a high price for a superstar. In this opinion piece, we’ll explore why the Dodgers, despite their obvious financial might, are better off without Soto and his enormous contract.
The Financial Burden of a $765 Million Deal
Juan Soto’s reported deal with a potential suitor could reach up to $765 million, an astronomical figure that would make it one of the largest contracts in the history of professional sports. The Dodgers, known for their financial resources and willingness to spend big, might seem like a perfect fit to absorb such a contract. However, in baseball, big contracts are not just about paying the player’s salary; they come with long-term consequences for roster construction and flexibility.
The Dodgers have been one of the most successful franchises in baseball over the past decade, winning the 2020 World Series and consistently contending for championships. Much of that success has been built on smart roster management, with a mix of high-priced superstars, homegrown talent, and effective spending on key free agents. Bringing in Soto, particularly for such an enormous contract, could distort this balance. The Dodgers would be forced to commit a significant portion of their payroll to one player, potentially limiting their ability to address other roster needs, particularly in an era where depth and balance are crucial to long-term success.
Take a look at some of the Dodgers’ current key players, including Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Clayton Kershaw. All of these players are making substantial amounts of money, and with Soto’s massive contract potentially joining the fold, the team’s financial resources would become increasingly constrained. Los Angeles has already made several high-profile acquisitions in recent years, and adding Soto to that list could stretch their budget too thin, limiting their ability to retain other important players or improve other areas of their roster. The financial burden of such a massive deal could also inhibit the team’s ability to make other moves, whether it be for another star player or simply to add valuable depth to their bullpen or starting rotation.
Long-Term Commitment and Declining Value
One of the key concerns surrounding a potential deal for Soto is not just the sheer amount of money involved, but the length of the contract. Baseball contracts, particularly those in the range of $700+ million, are often structured to last well over a decade. Given Soto’s current age of 25, such a contract could take him well into his 30s, and perhaps even into his early 40s, depending on how the deal is structured.
As any baseball fan knows, players in their 30s, especially position players, often experience significant declines in their performance. While Soto has been remarkably consistent in his early years, there’s no guarantee that he’ll continue to be one of the best hitters in the game as he ages. History has shown that even the best players can experience a sharp decline as they reach their 30s. For the Dodgers, locking themselves into a long-term deal with Soto at such a high price could eventually result in a scenario where they’re paying top dollar for a player whose production is no longer commensurate with his salary.
It’s not difficult to imagine a scenario where Soto’s contract becomes an albatross for the Dodgers. As the years pass, the team might find itself in a situation where the massive financial commitment to Soto prevents them from making other necessary moves or from maintaining a competitive roster. The Dodgers have a history of success built on maintaining flexibility and being able to pivot when necessary. A long-term, high-dollar contract for Soto could put that flexibility at risk and tie the team’s hands in the future.
The Dodgers’ Roster Is Already Built to Win
The Dodgers have one of the most complete rosters in baseball. With a talented group of position players and pitchers, they are already primed for another playoff run without needing to bring in an expensive player like Soto. Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman, the team’s current cornerstone players, provide elite production on offense, and the team has solid depth throughout the lineup. Los Angeles also boasts one of the best pitching staffs in the league, with standout starters like Clayton Kershaw and Julio Urías, along with a bullpen that can go toe-to-toe with the best.
Instead of investing nearly three-quarters of a billion dollars into one player, the Dodgers would be better served by continuing to focus on improving their depth, whether that means bolstering their bullpen, upgrading their starting rotation, or finding key role players who can contribute in the postseason. Given that the Dodgers have a well-rounded team, they do not necessarily need to make a splashy trade or sign a superstar. The success of their organization has been built on depth and having the flexibility to make adjustments as needed, not on building a roster around one player, no matter how great he is.
The Future of the Dodgers’ Core
The Dodgers are not only thinking about the present but also the future. The team has a number of players who will need new contracts in the near future, including their current superstar talents like Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman. Signing Soto would require a massive financial commitment that could impede the Dodgers’ ability to extend or re-sign their key core players. As much as the team might want to lock up Soto, they cannot afford to ignore the long-term stability of their roster.
In addition, the Dodgers’ farm system has continued to produce top-tier talent, and they are in a position to develop the next generation of stars. With a balanced approach that combines homegrown talent with key free-agent acquisitions, the Dodgers have a chance to build a sustainable future. Rather than focusing all their energy and resources on a single player, the Dodgers are better off staying committed to their current model, which includes fostering homegrown talent and building depth around their established stars.
The Financial and Competitive Balance in MLB
In Major League Baseball, there is a fine line between investing in stars and creating a competitive balance across the roster. Teams like the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, and even the San Francisco Giants have made significant investments in high-priced talent in recent years, but that hasn’t always led to success on the field. The Dodgers’ approach, which has involved investing in both their farm system and the strategic acquisition of free agents, has proven to be more sustainable over time. By avoiding the huge financial commitment to Soto, they ensure they can maintain this balance and build a team that is both competitive now and well-positioned for the future.
Conclusion
While Juan Soto is undoubtedly one of the best players in baseball, the Dodgers are much better off without him and his $765 million contract. The financial burden and long-term commitment required by such a deal would limit the team’s flexibility and impede their ability to build a sustainable and balanced roster. The Dodgers already have a complete team that is capable of competing for championships, and their approach to roster construction has allowed them to remain successful year after year. By avoiding the temptation to sign Soto, they can stay on track with their current model, maintaining the flexibility to make adjustments as needed while continuing to build for both the present and the future.
In the end, the Dodgers’ success is built on balance, depth, and smart decision-making, not on splashing out for one superstar, no matter how talented. While Soto’s skills are undeniable, his massive price tag would ultimately put the Dodgers in a precarious position that they would be better off avoiding.
