MLB Trade Rumors: Dodgers To Go After Juan Soto In Free Agency

Jon Heyman of The New York Post recently speculated that the Los Angeles Dodgers are preparing to pursue New York Yankees star Juan Soto in free agency this winter. 

Despite currently facing Soto and the Yankees in the 2024 World Series, the Dodgers see the 26-year-old as an ideal addition to their already potent lineup, which features Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman. 

“The Dodgers, arguably baseball’s best offense already, intend to make a play for Soto ‘if he’s interested,’” Heyman wrote, signaling that Los Angeles is prepared to make a serious bid if Soto is open to returning to the West Coast.

Report: Dodgers interested in signing Juan Soto. 😑😑😑 https://t.co/r6Ub6uAmFK pic.twitter.com/CTIWy6Pmh5

— theScore (@theScore) October 27, 2024

The Dodgers’ pursuit could create a lot of tension between the two World Series rivals, as Soto has thrived in his first year with the Yankees, batting .288 with 41 home runs and 109 RBIs. 

Despite the Dodgers’ interest, many around baseball consider the Yankees and New York Mets to be the favorites to sign Soto, given his enjoyment of New York and his preference for the East Coast. 

However, Los Angeles’s financial flexibility—bolstered by the deferred structure of Ohtani’s $700 million contract—allows them to offer a potentially historic deal that could exceed $600 million. 

"They’ve tried for 'almost every' big-time free agent," Heyman added, emphasizing the Dodgers’ aggressive approach.

The Dodgers are interested in signing Juan Soto this offseason, per @JonHeyman

They want to make a play for Soto "if he's interested," per Heyman.

Unrelated, here was Soto hanging out with the Dodgers stars during the Home Run Derby this year.pic.twitter.com/ipcQZxu2jF

— Noah Camras (@noahcamras) October 28, 2024

Geography remains the biggest hurdle for the Dodgers, as Soto has previously expressed a preference to stay closer to the East Coast, where he began his career with the Washington Nationals. 

However, the Dodgers’ winning pedigree and willingness to spend could make them a legitimate contender. 

The outcome of the World Series could also impact Soto’s decision, as he has emphasized that winning is his top priority. 

If the Yankees rally from their current 3-0 deficit, it might strengthen their case for keeping Soto in the Bronx.

Photo Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images