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The Los Angeles Dodgers spoke with four-time All-Star Juan Soto this week, but unless the market changes, the defending World Series champions may have trouble signing the coveted free agent. KTLA’s David “Ping” Pingalore reports.
“Through a source, I can confirm that @juansoto25_ met with Andrew Friedman and Brandon Gomez in Orange County today,” Pin posted on his Instagram account on Tuesday.
Soto is the most sought-after slugger on the free agent market, with other high-paying teams such as the New York Yankees (Soto’s most recent club) and New York Mets interested in acquiring the 41-homer outfielder. In 2024, when the competition is expected to be fierce, he recorded a batting average of .288 and 109 RBIs.
Juan Soto of the New York Yankees speaks during media day for the Baseball World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024 in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) New York Yankees center Juan Soto hits a home run off Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto (18) in the bottom of the third inning of Game 2 of the Baseball World Series on Saturday, Oct. 26. . 2024, Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) New York Yankees player Juan Soto reacts after being flown out in the bottom of the eighth inning of Game 3 of the Baseball World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Monday, Oct. 28, 2024 in New York. . (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vazquez) New York Yankees’ Juan Soto, left, hits Alex after scoring on a wild pitch in the bottom of the third inning of Game 1 of the American League Championship Series against the Cleveland Guardians on Monday.・Congratulations with Verdugo (24 years old). October 14, 2024, New York. (AP Photo/Godofredo Vazquez) New York Yankees outfielder Juan warms up before taking on the Kansas City Royals in Game 2 of the American League Baseball Playoff Series on Monday, Oct. 7, 2024, in New York. Soto (22). (AP Photo/Seth Wenig) Newly acquired New York Yankees forward Juan Soto attends media availability during baseball spring training on Monday, Feb. 19, 2024, in Tampa, Florida. (AP Photo/Ron Bloom) FILE – San Diego Padres’ Juan Soto hits a two-run home run against Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Kyle Freeland in the bottom of the third inning of a baseball game Wednesday, Aug. 2 Follow the release. 2023, Denver. Juan Soto, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Pete Alonso are among the players across Major League Baseball still negotiating their salaries for the 2024 season ahead of the Thursday, January 11, 2024 deadline. . (AP Photo/David Zarbowski, File) Juan Soto of the San Diego Padres stands against the San Francisco Giants in the bottom of the fourth inning of an MLB baseball game at Alfredo Harp Hell Stadium in Mexico City on Saturday, April. 29th, 2023, wearing a sombrero to celebrate a solo home run. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano) FILE – Juan Soto of the Washington Nationals hits a three-run home run during the game during a baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies on June 19, 2022 in Washington. Back of the inning. The San Diego Padres on Tuesday, August 2, 2022, acquired superstar outfielder Juan Soto from the Nationals at the last minute at the trade deadline in one of the biggest trades in baseball history, adding one of the best young hitters in the game. They took advantage of the postseason opportunity. (AP Photo/Nick Wass, File) Juan of the Washington Nationals steps into the batter’s box during the bottom of the first inning of a baseball game Monday, Aug. 1, 2022, at Nationals Park in Washington. Soto expressed his gratitude in the New York Mets dugout. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
The Dodgers and Philadelphia Phillies are also expected to challenge Soto, but Ping said Los Angeles may be hesitant to offer him a long-term contract.
“According to sources, if the market weakens, @Dodgers interest will remain limited to a 1-2 year deal as Soto is seeking a long-term contract worth $600M,” Pin posted.
The Dodgers know what Soto can bring to the team’s offense, having played against him as a member of the National League’s Washington Nationals and San Diego Padres.
Soto also played well in the World Series against the Dodgers. The Yankees had lost five games in a row, but Soto hit .313 and hit a home run in Game 2.
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