Outfielder Juan Soto is baseball's top free agent this winter. There is a growing list of teams interested in signing him to a contract that could surpass the $600 million mark. The New York Yankees and New York Mets are seen as his most likely destinations, but the Philadelphia Phillies have reasons to feel optimistic about their chances of landing the 26-year-old.
The Phillies entered 2024 with championship expectations. They responded by posting a 95-67 record and winning the National League East for the first time since 2011. However, their quest for a title fell short after the Mets eliminated them in the NLDS.
As president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski prepares for next season, he's open-minded when it comes to upgrading his roster. Team chairman John Middleton is ready to provide the funds to improve the squad, as well.
"Given where we are in contract cycles and minor league people coming up, I expect the player payroll to be higher [than this year] rather than lower," Middleton told The Philadelphia Inquirer's Scott Lauber. "I'd be surprised if it's the same, and I'd be stunned, very stunned, if it's lower. I don't see it being lower."
Soto has been linked to the Phillies as a possible landing spot. Even if they're not one of the favorites, three things are working in Dombrowski's favor as he prepares to make his case.
Geographic location and Soto's previous ties to current Phillies players are two of those reasons, according to MLB.com's Mark Feinsand. "Word is that Soto prefers to stay on the East Coast, which would be an obstacle for the Dodgers or any other West Coast club," he said. "The Phillies will likely take a shot at the four-time All-Star, a source said, hoping the presence of former Nationals teammates Bryce Harper, Trea Turner and Kyle Schwarber and hitting coach Kevin Long could work to their advantage."
The third reason is Soto's desire to be competitive every year.
"Juan loves winning," Scott Boras said at the GM meetings via the New York Daily News. The agent also said his client "wants ownership that he knows is going to support an opportunity to win annually."
The Phillies have reached the postseason each year since 2022 and will have championship expectations heading into next year. Middleton has also been outspoken about his desire to hoist another World Series trophy.
Philadelphia isn't a top landing spot for Soto. But that won't stop the organization from pursuing the outfielder and making a compelling case that Citizens Bank Park can be his home for the foreseeable future.
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