Juan Soto is the most important domino in the MLB offseason, and his departure will have far-reaching consequences for the Atlanta Braves.
“The end is near.” Teams engaged in a third round of Soto bidding this week, and while no agreement is likely, one might be reached before the winter meetings formally begin Monday,” writes ESPN’s Jeff Passan.
The quiet before the storm in Dallas. Alex Anthopoulos will attend the Winter Meetings this weekend, which will be held next week, and Atlanta’s offseason should get underway swiftly. Here is how far Soto’s choice will go:
The outfield market will shape up
With Jarred Kelenic pushed to the bench last season and Ronald Acuna Jr. out for at least six weeks to begin next season, the Braves require outfield help, but they will not participate in the Juan Soto sweepstakes.
Everyone who needs an outfielder but does not get the top free agent will look at the other top options: Teoscar Hernández, Anthony Santander, Jurickson Profar, and Tyler O’Neill. Even if the Braves are interested in one of those guys, they won’t sign until Soto signs his contract.
Juan Soto losers will allocate $$$ to starters
“One of the teams stung by not getting Soto will pivot to Burnes and give him the eighth $200 million-plus deal ever for a pitcher,” according to Passan.
The Yankees, Mets, Blue Jays, Red Sox, Dodgers, and Orioles are all said to be interested in Soto, as are the top free agent starters on the market, Corbin Burnes and Max Fried.
Allocating up to $700 million to Soto and losing out will result in a cash-in-the-pocket effect, in which a person spends money simply because they have it. I know that’s an oversimplification, but it’s not a terrible metaphor.
If Soto stays in New York with the Yankees, other teams will turn their focus to Fried and Burnes, maybe overpaying for their services. While the Braves want a starter, the highest spenders in the sport missing out on the championship means terrible news for Alex Anthopoulos.
Braves fans might as well swallow this pill
Orlando Arcia will be Atlanta’s starting shortstop, or at least not Willy Adames. “Adames’ market is beginning to take shape, and once Soto signs, it’s primed to expand even more,” Passan says.
Because of Adames’ willingness to move away from shortstop, more bidders are being considered. Nearly every team seeking Soto also has a slot for Adames. Rafael Devers could be moved to first base or designated hitter. The Yankees and Mets might place him at third base. The Giants, who are not seriously considering Soto, would start Adames at shortstop.
While the Braves aren’t directly tied to Juan Soto, they’re very much indirectly tied. His free agent decision will have a profound impact on every aspect of Atlanta’s offseason.
