Now that Juan Soto was a swing and a miss, the question is, ‘What now?’
I’d love a Vlad extension. I know it will be much harder and more expensive than it might have been a few days ago, but if I were the team, I’d be willing to go 12-13 years. It would be interesting to know what Vlad is thinking. If he thinks he could get Soto money, signing him will be almost impossible.
Could he get Soto money?
If he has a terrific 2025 season and gets a bidding war going? Maybe. It’s likely somewhere short of Soto, but then, any fanbase would love him. His personality would get him sponsorship opportunities anywhere.
In addition, the team needs a left fielder, a third baseman, and several relievers.
I’m not thrilled with the idea of Anthony Santander, but someone of that type would help.
Third base, maybe Alex Bregman or Yoán Moncada?
And then someone like Jeff Hoffman? Kirby Yates? Nick Martinez? They need some bullpen arms. Bring Jordan Romano back? Would he come back if he isn’t the closer anymore?
The shopping list is long, and other teams missed out on Soto, who will be shopping and running up the price tags.
It is going to be an interesting off-season from here on. Last year, there was no pivot from Ohtani. This year, there better be.