The Juan Soto sweepstakes came to an end on Sunday night when the 26-year-old outfielder signed a record-setting 15-year, $765 million contract with the New York Mets in a deal that will have a huge effect on the free agent market this offseason and beyond.
While the Phillies were reportedly interested in Soto, they never met with him or made an offer. With Soto now officially off the market, the Phillies will have to pay a premium to upgrade their outfield with teams such as the Los Angeles Dodgers, Boston Red Sox, Baltimore Orioles and now the New York Yankees also looking to fill a hole in their lineup after being spurned by the newest member of the Mets.
Juan Soto's massive contract just made free agent outfielders more expensive for the Phillies
The biggest outfield names remaining on the free agent market now include Anthony Santander, Jurickson Profar, Teoscar Hernández, Alex Verdugo, Harrison Bader, and Austin Hays, the latter of whom was recently non-tendered by the Phillies after a disappointing tenure. Santander, Profar, and Hernández especially will be heavily sought after following impressive 2024 campaigns.
While the Phillies appear willing to go well over the luxury tax threshold to field a competitive roster, they are limited due to their current payroll and pressing roster needs including potential arms in the back end of the rotation and bullpen. Combine this with the rising cost of outfielders, and it will be difficult for the Phillies to land a high-priced star unless it is via trade.
Not only do the Phillies have to deal with a crowded free agent outfield market, but they will also have to face Soto 13 times a year as a member of the division rival Mets.
Fans may remember that he started his career with the Washington Nationals, where he put up impressive numbers against the Phillies. In 67 games as a member of the Nationals, he posted a .300 average to go along with 18 home runs and 53 RBI in 67 games.
As history shows us, it is important not to count out Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski and managing partner John Middleton in their quest for a superstar. They have shown a willingness to go above and beyond for the fans to build a championship-caliber club. If they want to continue to improve this club, they might just have to spend “stupid money” once again, thanks to Mets owner Steve Cohen and company pulling off the biggest deal in MLB history.