The Chicago Cubs added a few significant players to their squad during the winter. They took a deliberate strategy, waiting long enough to re-sign Cody Bellinger to a deal that satisfied them. Did Jed Hoyer, president of baseball operations, take this action to conserve money for Juan Soto, an outfielder who will be a free agent next wintertime?
On March 16, FanSided’s Cubbies Crib’s Rich Eberwein talked about three Cubs free agents that are “way too early.” He finished by mentioning Soto.
He stated, “This is undoubtedly the most impractical option, but it also has the best chance of succeeding.” “Juan Soto has consistently produced at the highest level, so his employer will be happy no matter who gives him his next contract, which will be a mega-deal worthy of the record books.”
After an outstanding 2023 with the San Diego Padres, Soto is getting ready for 2024 with the New York Yankees. In 708 plate appearances, he hit.275/.410/.519 with 35 home runs, 32 doubles, 109 RBI, and 97 runs scored. He was awarded his fourth Silver Slugger Award as a result of his performances. In addition, Soto was selected for his third All-Star Game and came in sixth place in the voting for the National League MVP.
In the end, Soto’s free agency contract will be determined by the market. The 25-year-old is expected to sign a $14-year, $540 million contract, according to Tim Britton of The Athletic.
Soto Would Mitigate The Damage Caused By Another Possible Bellinger Departure
With the signing of Japanese pitcher Shōta Imanaga to a four-year, $53 million contract, the Cubs made a major splash for their starting rotation. But getting Bellinger back to the Windy City was the biggest addition they made this winter. Rather than paying over $200 million for his services, the client of Scott Boras agreed to a three-year contract worth $80 million.
Bellinger may choose to retest free agency by opting out after 2024 and 2025. If he manages to replicate the, that will probably certainly occur next winter.In 2023, he recorded an 881 OPS with 26 home runs, 20 steals, 97 RBI, and 95 runs scored.
Chicago would have several options if the 2019 NL MVP Award winner decides to pursue the long-term contract he was unable to sign this offseason. One is that Pete Crow-Armstrong, a good prospect, would have an easy route to regular center field play. The other is that, in theory, the Cubs would have more money in their budget to try to sign Soto.
The Competition From New York Will Be Tough
A hitter like Soto should be in the lineup of every MLB team. But only a select few companies can pay his anticipated astronomical price tag. On March 1, Zachary D. Rymer of Bleacher Report listed the top 10 early Soto free-agent destination spots. Most of them were big-market teams that were prepared to spend more money on the left-handed slugger.
Rymer put the Cubs in fifth place. The San Francisco Giants, Toronto Blue Jays, Yankees, and New York Mets are the clubs that are in front of them. The top two options were both New York squads. Even though Soto’s free agency won’t happen until after the regular season and postseason are over, a possible bidding war in New York City is already underway.
The outfielder’s next contract could cost even more than the projected $540 million because to the level of competition. If that occurs, it will be intriguing to see whether teams—including the Cubs—are prepared to make that sacrifice.
