MLB Free Agents 2024: Predictions on Juan Soto, Pete Alonso and Dodgers Amid Rumors
The Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees are in the midst of the World Series, but that does not mean the two organizations have not already turned their attention to the offseason, especially when it comes to prized free agent Juan Soto.
Both are getting a close look at the 26-year-old in the Fall Classic, and according to new insider reports, both will be among the teams bidding on his services.
Dive deeper into the latest report on Soto, as well as an update on Mets star Pete Alonso and predictions on who the Dodgers may end up with in this collection of rumors.
The Dodgers Have Entered the Juan Soto Sweepstakes
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It was only a matter of time before the Los Angeles Dodgers entered the chat on impending free agent Juan Soto.
Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported, "The Dodgers, arguably baseball's best offense already—it's either them or the Yankees—intend to make a play for Soto "'if he's interested,' sources say."
How realistic it is, though, is the question. "As for Soto and the Dodgers, a Yankees person had two words: "Never happen," Heyman wrote.
The veteran writer and MLB insider reiterated that the Mets and Yankees are the two teams most likely (and financially able) to compete for Soto's services while also revealing that those in the Yankees organization view the Blue Jays as a possible outside threat.
It is no wonder that any of those four teams would have interest in Soto.
He just celebrated his 26th birthday and is coming off a season in which he achieved career highs in hits (166), runs (128), and homers (41). He is playing in the World Series with the most visible franchise is baseball history and was a major part of that team's return to the Fall Classic.
He is a generational player in an era where that label is greatly overused and a game-changer for any team he plays for. The Yankees understandably want to hold onto that magic and hope they can rely on the experience he has had thus far with the organization to help counter what is likely to be a massive offer from Mets owner Steve Cohen.
And, potentially, the Dodgers.
And the Blue Jays.
It will not be easy and may not happen at all.
The Mets are an organization that could benefit from having in their lineup every day, alongside Francisco Lindor, Brandon Nimmo and, potentially, Pete Alonso.
The question is whether it comes down to money or championship opportunity.
The Mets, Dodgers, and Yankees are three organizations currently in a championship window but where Soto opts to sign will likely come down to which one ponies up the most impressive deal.
Prediction: Soto signs with the Mets
What to Expect from the Mets-Pete Alonso Negotiations
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Pete Alonso solidified his place in Mets lore in the NL Wild Card Game 3 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers when he obliterated a Devin Williams pitch for a home run and secured the team's advancement to the NLDS.
He was already immensely popular with Mets fans, but he needed that playoff moment to secure his place in history and ensure that, if it was his final postseason with the organization, it would be a memorable one.
SNY Mets insider Anthony DiComo reported that the team will negotiate seriously with Alonso this offseason but probably will not sign him "at any cost."
Despite the love and admiration the organization and its fans have for Alonso, that is probably a fair approach.
The Polar Bear played in all 162 games in 2024, for the first time in his career, but had an otherwise statistically down season. His 34 home runs were the fewest since the COVID-shortened 2020 season—his RBI, too. His strikeouts were his highest since his rookie season in 2019.
He is still a premier power hitter, a guy who can blast a pitch out of the park at any moment, but he hit fewer meaningful home runs in the 2024 regular season than any other year of his career.
Defensively, he played some of his best ball at first base. His .995 fielding percentage at first base tied his 2023 numbers for best in his career. He made tough catches and secured some difficult outs.
Alonso is a player who will absolutely be coveted by teams in need of a first baseman or looking to beef up their lineup, even at DH. He still has the tools to be a game-changing, MVP type. The question is whether he is that player in Queens or elsewhere.
The answer, seemingly easy, is ultimately dependent upon where Soto signs and how long that domino takes to fall.
Prediction: Alonso stays with the Mets, re-signing at a lower number than he might have gotten elsewhere
Dodgers Free Agency Predictions
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The Dodgers have never met a high-priced, high-value free agent they did not love.
With that approach to team building once again landing them in the World Series, there is no reason to believe the organization will not take that approach again this offseason.
Despite the rumors from Heyman regarding Soto and the team, there are greater needs in Los Angeles than another outfielder.
The Dodgers have a obvious need at shortstop, and there just happens to be a top-tier player at that position available in free agency.
Milwaukee Brewers principal owner Mark Attanasio already admitted the organization will likely lose Willy Adames to free agency, telling reporters, "He's going to get an enormous free-agent contract, and I'm very happy for him and his family, and we'll give it our best shot. But there's a lot deeper pockets out there. That's just the reality."
Adames tallied 153 hits, 112 RBI, and 32 home runs for the Brewers in 2024, while slashing .251/.331/.462.
He is going to make a large amount of money this off-season, likely from one of the big spenders looking to upgrade at one of the key positions in the infield.
Like the Dodgers.
Los Angeles will likely also target a starting pitcher or two, but Adames fills a very clear need and would add even more pop to a lineup that is nearly unstoppable as it is.
He makes more sense than any other name linked to the team at this point.
Prediction: The rich get richer as the Dodgers sign Adames
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