Phillies President Dismisses Pursuit of Juan Soto in Offseason
Philadelphia Phillies President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski has made it clear that superstar Juan Soto will not be part of the team’s offseason plans, putting to rest speculation surrounding a potential blockbuster trade. Soto, a generational talent with the San Diego Padres, had been rumored as a potential target for the Phillies after an early playoff exit, but Dombrowski’s comments indicate the team will focus on other avenues to improve its roster for the 2024 season.
“We’re always looking to make our team better, but I think it’s important to set realistic expectations,” Dombrowski said during a media session. “Juan Soto is an incredible player, but there are a lot of factors that come into play when you’re talking about acquiring someone of that caliber.”
The Phillies, fresh off a deep postseason run that ended just shy of a World Series appearance, are believed to be exploring upgrades in key areas, but the pursuit of Soto would likely involve significant financial and prospect commitments. Soto, who is expected to command a massive contract extension as early as next offseason, could also cost the Phillies several of their top minor league players, something Dombrowski suggested the organization is not keen on parting with.
“We value our farm system,” Dombrowski continued. “There’s a balance between pushing to win now and also ensuring we have a sustainable future. We don’t want to mortgage everything for one player.”
The Phillies are still expected to be aggressive in free agency, especially in addressing their pitching needs and possibly adding depth to the outfield. However, Dombrowski’s comments imply that any major acquisitions will be more financially calculated than a deal for Soto, who could demand a contract worth well over $400 million.
“We have some great pieces in place, and we’ll continue to build around them,” Dombrowski said. “We’re confident in the core we have and believe there are smarter ways to improve our ballclub this offseason.”
Juan Soto, a two-time All-Star and World Series champion with the Washington Nationals, was traded to the Padres in 2022 in one of the biggest midseason deals in MLB history. While his power and on-base ability have made him a standout in the league, the Phillies appear content to pursue alternative ways to bolster their roster rather than enter into a costly bidding war for his services.
For now, Phillies fans can expect the team to look for more pragmatic moves as they aim to build on recent success, with Soto seemingly off the radar.