 |
| Owner John Middleton will need to open his checkbook to bring Soto to Philadelphia. | PHOTO: Tim Young |
Although adding Juan Soto would undoubtedly make waves throughout Major League Baseball, the president of baseball operations, Dave Dombrowski, has several factors to weigh before committing to such a significant decision.
Here’s how this potential move could shape the future of the Phillies.
Who is Juan Soto?
Soto is a Dominican professional baseball player who is an outfielder in Major League Baseball (MLB). He is widely regarded as one of the most talented young hitters in the game, known for his excellent plate discipline, power, and ability to get on base at an elite level.
Soto made his MLB debut with the Washington Nationals in 2018 at 19 years old and quickly became a star. He helped lead the Nationals to their first-ever World Series championship in 2019 and played a significant role in their success with his powerful hitting.
After several strong seasons with the Nationals, Soto was traded to the San Diego Padres in 2022 in one of the biggest trades in MLB history. The Padres acquired him to bolster their lineup with more firepower, pairing him with other stars like Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado. Soto has been a standout player with impressive achievements, including an All-Star selection, a Silver Slugger Award, and a Batting Title in 2020 when he led the National League with a .351 batting average.
Soto is known for his remarkable eye at the plate. He often draws walks and displays an ability to work the count in his favor. This skill, combined with his power-hitting ability, has made him one of the most sought-after talents in baseball.
Soto is a Dominican professional baseball player who is an outfielder in Major League Baseball (MLB). He is widely regarded as one of the most talented young hitters in the game, known for his excellent plate discipline, power, and ability to get on base at an elite level.
Soto made his MLB debut with the Washington Nationals in 2018 at 19 years old and quickly became a star. He helped lead the Nationals to their first-ever World Series championship in 2019 and played a significant role in their success with his powerful hitting.
After several strong seasons with the Nationals, Soto was traded to the San Diego Padres in 2022 in one of the biggest trades in MLB history. The Padres acquired him to bolster their lineup with more firepower, pairing him with other stars like Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado. Soto has been a standout player with impressive achievements, including an All-Star selection, a Silver Slugger Award, and a Batting Title in 2020 when he led the National League with a .351 batting average.
Soto is known for his remarkable eye at the plate. He often draws walks and displays an ability to work the count in his favor. This skill, combined with his power-hitting ability, has made him one of the most sought-after talents in baseball.
The Field
If the Phillies were to sign Juan Soto, they’d need to determine his defensive position, as Nick Castellanos currently holds the right-field spot and would likely remain there. Fortunately, Soto has extensive experience in left field, having played 460 games there compared to 446 in the right.
During his tenure with the San Diego Padres, he primarily occupied left field, a role he also held with the Washington Nationals. This past season with the New York Yankees marked the most games he’s played in right field, but he’s highly adaptable and would face little to no learning curve if moved to the left.
Adding Soto would also allow the Phillies to platoon Brandon Marsh and Johan Rojas in center field. Marsh, a left-handed hitter, could be utilized in favorable matchups. At the same time, Rojas would be able to continue developing his batting skills, which is crucial for his growth as a player.
The Roster
If the Phillies can add Juan Soto, signing him is almost an obvious choice. However, this move would lead to other roster decisions in assembling their 26-man lineup. The Phillies have nine players eligible for arbitration. Among them, Austin Hays—acquired at the trade deadline—appears to be the top non-tender candidate, especially since his role would be uncertain unless the Phillies choose to demote Johan Rojas.
Weston Wilson, who had a breakout season, could join the infield rotation, but this decision impacts other arbitration-eligible players like Edmundo Sosa. Additionally, Kody Clemens, who is out of minor league options, would need to remain on the Major League roster all season or risk being exposed to waivers.
While these considerations are significant, they shouldn't deter the Phillies from pursuing Soto. However, these factors will undoubtedly play a role in Philadelphia’s final decision-making process, its chances of success in the next season, and its overall baseball game odds.
The Lineup
Here’s where things could get interesting.
Manager Rob Thomson has enjoyed using Kyle Schwarber in the leadoff spot, and while that setup likely won’t change, adding Juan Soto could significantly reshape the rest of the lineup. If Soto were to bat second behind Schwarber, Bryce Harper would follow in the third spot, benefiting from two high on-base hitters ahead of him.
If the Phillies keep Alec Bohm, he could slot into the cleanup position, building on his solid 97-RBI season for the second year running. Nick Castellanos could also be a strong candidate for that role, while Trea Turner could move down to strengthen the middle lineup, adding the power and contact skills that Philadelphia has been lacking.
This would leave J.T. Realmuto, Bryson Stott, and either Brandon Marsh or Johan Rojas to round out the final spots, creating a deep and balanced lineup that can still generate runs from the lower order. Adding Soto would undoubtedly make opposing pitchers' lives miserable, opening up endless possibilities for the Phillies’ offensive strategy.
Final Words
The potential acquisition of Juan Soto could be a game-changer for the Philadelphia Phillies as they look to overcome their recent playoff setbacks and finally capture a World Series title. Soto's remarkable offensive skills would significantly bolster an already talented lineup, providing a much-needed spark in the middle of the order.
However, while his addition would undoubtedly strengthen the Phillies, it would also require careful consideration of their roster and financial strategy. President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski faces the challenge of balancing the desire to add an elite talent like Soto with the need to make the necessary roster adjustments to accommodate him.
Here’s where things could get interesting.
Manager Rob Thomson has enjoyed using Kyle Schwarber in the leadoff spot, and while that setup likely won’t change, adding Juan Soto could significantly reshape the rest of the lineup. If Soto were to bat second behind Schwarber, Bryce Harper would follow in the third spot, benefiting from two high on-base hitters ahead of him.
If the Phillies keep Alec Bohm, he could slot into the cleanup position, building on his solid 97-RBI season for the second year running. Nick Castellanos could also be a strong candidate for that role, while Trea Turner could move down to strengthen the middle lineup, adding the power and contact skills that Philadelphia has been lacking.
This would leave J.T. Realmuto, Bryson Stott, and either Brandon Marsh or Johan Rojas to round out the final spots, creating a deep and balanced lineup that can still generate runs from the lower order. Adding Soto would undoubtedly make opposing pitchers' lives miserable, opening up endless possibilities for the Phillies’ offensive strategy.
Final Words
The potential acquisition of Juan Soto could be a game-changer for the Philadelphia Phillies as they look to overcome their recent playoff setbacks and finally capture a World Series title. Soto's remarkable offensive skills would significantly bolster an already talented lineup, providing a much-needed spark in the middle of the order.
However, while his addition would undoubtedly strengthen the Phillies, it would also require careful consideration of their roster and financial strategy. President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski faces the challenge of balancing the desire to add an elite talent like Soto with the need to make the necessary roster adjustments to accommodate him.
