Seeing the Philadelphia Phillies linked to Juan Soto remains surprising, though it’s been a frequent topic in recent weeks. The connection likely stems from the Phillies’ history of being willing to spend big, but securing Soto still feels like a long shot.
Despite this, rumors persist that Philadelphia is interested, making the possibility of Soto joining the Phillies a real one. The team already boasts one of the best cores in baseball, and that core is expected to remain intact for the foreseeable future.
Adding Soto would bring a young, elite talent into the mix. Once their veteran stars retire, he could take over as the franchise centerpiece. Given his immense talent, Soto would likely be the team’s best player if they managed to sign him.
The major question surrounding Soto is his potential contract. Could it reach $500 million? Or even $600 million? While $500 million is already a staggering sum, his youth and ability to compete with the league’s top hitters make it a realistic figure.
Andrew Bassan of FanSided made an intriguing prediction, suggesting Soto could land a 13-year, $624 million contract. He highlighted that it’s rare for a player as young and accomplished as Soto to hit free agency, noting his career .954 OPS and multiple 7-WAR seasons by age 25. Bassan believes Soto could secure the second-largest contract in baseball history, behind Shohei Ohtani’s record-breaking $700 million deal.
While it’s uncertain if Soto will actually receive $624 million, it’s not impossible given that few expected Ohtani to get $700 million either. If a team is willing to offer that amount, it seems likely Soto will sign with them.
For Philadelphia, though, a $624 million deal may be a stretch. Even at $500 million, it’s a significant investment, and an extra $124 million would be hard to justify. But with Dave Dombrowski’s track record, nothing can be ruled out.