No sooner had the Phillies 2024 playoff run gone to ashes, than fans started to ask, quietly at first, then with increasing volume, “What if we had Juan Soto next year?”
And why not? Soto answers a lot of questions for the Phils. He would bolster the outfield and recharge the offence: both high priorities on the front office to-do list.
Sure, the price tag would be steep, even record breaking, but the Phillies’ ownership is one of the wealthiest in baseball. It wouldn’t be impossible.
As recently as last week, CBS News ran an article reporting that the Phillies were expected to meet with Soto. Then, just this week, Matt Gelb, writing for the Athletic, stated that not only had the Phillies not met with Juan Soto, they had no plans to do so.
The rumour mill connecting Soto to Philadelphia seems to have fizzled out.
WILL JUAN SOTO COME TO PHILLY?
I think it’s a no and I’m mostly fine with that.
If Philadelphia were serious about landing Soto, we should by now have heard tales of Bryce Harper visiting New York, PowerPoint and Wawas menu in hand, to do the big cheesesteak sales pitch. We haven’t.
Besides, even if Phillies owner John Middleton does have pockets down to his socks, the price is still probably way too high.
UNLESS IT’S ALL A BLUFF?
It could be.
Maybe the Phillies are interested but playing it cool.
Maybe the price talk is all bluster and swagger from Soto’s agent Scott Boras, who famously had a rocky offseason last year pushing it late to strike deals for Jordan Montgomery and Blake Snell with both going for less than expected. Montgomery has been vocal on this. It’s possible Boras’s reputation is baked into Soto’s price tag.
SO SOTO COULD END UP IN PHILLY THEN?
He won’t. My guess is he stays with the Yankees and for less than reported.
WHAT DO THE PHILLIES DO NEXT?
The outfield is an issue. The poor at-bats are an issue. The bullpen could become an issue, particularly if Jeff Hoffman wants to move to a team who will offer him a starting role.
The Phillies are said to have approached the Chicago White Sox about starting pitcher Garrett Crochet. I hope there’s something to this – Crochet could be a great fit in Philadelphia.
Less great is that they seem to be shopping around my guy Alec Bohm. Reportedly, talks have been had with the Seatle Mariners about a possible trade.
I’m not crazy about this idea – I want Bohm on the Phillies for life, but I see why they would do it. If they don’t trade him, expect an emotionally unstable Bohm at third base in 2025 and don’t be at all surprised if we hear him scream, “I don’t even like Cheesesteaks!” next time the ball zips past him and into the outfield.
SO WHAT WOULD YOU DO?
Me? I’m done with the ‘Bigger hitter’ obsession. Can someone please just put the ball in play?
So, trade Trea Turner (yeah yeah, the documentary was sweet, but I need some runs.) Move Bryson Stott over to Shortstop. Interrupt Jean Segura’s fishing trip and get him back on second base.
Actually, while we’re at it, someone call Matt Vierling! We’re trading Kyle Schwarber – love you Kyle, but I’m done with one run homers and five dollar Slushies. Where’s Rhys? Someone put the bat sign up, I need Rhys Hoskins on the roster again!
And we’re back!
Photo Credit: Heather Barry / Stringer via Getty Images.
TOM BAKER is the Philadelphia Phillies correspondent for Bat Flips and Nerds. You can read more of his articles here and follow him on Bluesky @lawsonbaker.bsky.social
