Ex-Dodgers GM points "Juan Soto is better than Aaron Judge" for some, but Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and other stars could overshadow him in LA
Los Angeles Dodgers made one of the first big acquisitions of the offseason after signing two-time Cy Young winner Blake Snell on a $182 million contract over five years earlier this week.
However, the reigning World Series winners aren't done doing business in the offseason as they are reported to be one of the potential designations for superstar slugger Juan Soto in his much-talked-about free agency.
The Dodgers are arguably one of the most lucrative destination for any player right now with the likes of Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman on the roster. But former Dodgers GM Ned Colletti believes LA's star power might overshadow Soto if he moves to the Dodgers.
He said on the NorCal Sports Network (3:34):
"Juan Soto has been the best player on pretty much every team he's played on. You know, even better than Aaron Judge in some people's minds, not have as much power, but he is a better hitter, perhaps; tough to say. But at least equal to it. You know you come to LA, you're one of a handful of guys that are in that elite category."
However, Colletti also made a case for a short-term deal for Juan Soto even though the All-Star slugger and his agent Scott Boras are seeking a contract around 10-12 years.
"The one thing that I appeals to the Dodgers without knowing anything on the inside is the market crashes and it's going to be a short-term deal. Okay, because when Shohei Ohtani doesn't pitch, he's gonna DH. At some point in time, if you're talking about six seven, eight, ten, twelve, fourteen years (for Soto), some of that's going to be as in DH, maybe half of it.
"If it's 14 maybe a little bit more than half, who knows? But, you only got room for one DH so I think in the Dodgers' mind, look, we'll do this short term because he can still play the outfield short term and we'll overpay short term and give him a chance to go back out there (opt out)."
Dodgers continue offseason spending with Tommy Edman's extension
The Dodgers made another key signing this week after the team announced the contract extension of utility player Tommy Edman on Friday. Edman signed a five-year, $74 million contract extension after his postseason heroics in 2024.
Signed at the trade deadline, Edman exceeded expectations in the postseason as he drove in 11 runs in the championship series against the New York Mets to win the NLCS MVP title. He also contributed with five runs in the Fall Classic against the Yankees.