Exclusive: Chris Dimino expects Juan Soto to command Mike Trout-like numbers in free agency: "If it's a good year for him, he goes over $400 million"
Juan Soto of the San Diego Padres personifies the young nucleus of his team. Despite only having arrived on the West Coast last year, Soto's contract will be up for renewal at the end of the 2023 season.
Soto, 24, is from the Dominican Republic. He broke into the league in 2018 after signing as an international free agent with the Washington Nationals. His 22 home runs and 70 RBIs were enough to finish second in Rookie of the Year Award voting. He also won the 2019 World Series with the Nats.
In August 2022, Soto was part of a trade that sent him, along with first baseman Josh Bell, to the San Diego Padres. At the time of the trade, the Padres were pushing for a playoff berth while the Nationals tried not to finish at the bottom of the league.
Anyone still trading away Anthony Volpe and Jasson Dominguez for Juan Soto? https://t.co/nSJRHjP33S
"Anyone still trading away Anthony Volpe and Jasson Dominguez for Juan Soto?" - Conor Maguire
Juan Soto finished the 2022 season with 27 home runs and 62 RBIs between the two teams. Although observers have praised his patience after drawing a league-best 135 walks last year, he still only hit .242.
After the conclusion of the season, wherein the San Diego Padres made it all the way to the NLCS thanks in part to Soto, the youngster was up for an extension. After reportedly failing to reach terms with his team, Juan Soto signed a one-year deal worth $23 million to avoid arbitration.
In a recent appearance on Sportskeeda's "Ballfather Podcast," MLB analyst Chris Dimino shed some light on Soto's options when his one-year contract expires at the end of the year. Addressing host Reggie Roberts, Dimino said:
"He turned down 300. Already 300 plus, so you know, arrow up. I don't think he's making any less than 350. And I do think if it's a good year for him, he goes over 400."
Dimino went on to compare Juan Soto to outfielder Mike Trout, who inked a $425 million deal with the Los Angeles Angels in 2019, the biggest contract in MLB history at the time.
The San Diego Padres have signed OF Juan Soto to a one year $23 Million contract, avoiding arbitration. https://t.co/3OETYaBRIH
"The San Diego Padres have signed OF Juan Soto to a one year $23 Million contract, avoiding arbitration." - Complete Phillies
According to Dimino, Soto turned down a deal worth $300 million. The analyst also claimed that he didn't think it would be good for Soto if he signed for any less than $300 million, with the Padres or any other team.
Juan Soto needs to set aside contract rumors and drama
Although currently representing his country at the World Baseball Classic, Soto will be back in Padres training camp soon. By signing former Boston Red Sox shortstop Xander Bogaerts as well as 2022 MVP runner-up Manny Machado to big deals, the Padres have shown they do not mind spending. The only question that remains is whether Soto will stick around.