MLB insider claims "Juan Soto accomplished so much at a young age," justifying $700,000,000 contract projection despite not being Shohei Ohtani
Earning in the neighborhood of Shohei Ohtani's 10-year, $700 million contract will elevate Juan Soto to an elite status. That's where he is headed it seems, with the outfielder reportedly seeking a contract worth $700 million over 15 years in his highly anticipated free agency.
However, the next question that comes to mind is if Soto deserves it given he has yet to win an MVP and doesn't even play dual roles (pitching and hitting) like Ohtani. Is it too soon to give his shoulder such immense responsibility? MLB insider Ken Rosenthal believes the outfielder deserves what he is about to potentially get.
"I remember writing early on—maybe in April—that he was going to be a $500 million guy, and fans jumped all over me. 'He’s not Ohtani, what are you talking about?' The difference with Soto, what distinguishes him as a free agent, is that he’s such a young free agent and has accomplished so much at a young age," Rosenthal said Friday on Foul Territory (12:49 onwards).
"He’s entering his age-26 season as one of the most accomplished 25-and-under players of all time. Yes, his defense and baserunning aren’t great, but in the batter’s box? Oh my gosh, it’s historically great."
Ken Rosenthal provides reason why Juan Soto is worth every penny
Making his case further, Ken Rosenthal said that even if Juan Soto isn't a way two-star like Shohei Ohtani, apart from his on-field performance, he brings various intangibles benefitting the franchise's brand value.
"Listen, if a team deems he’s worth that much, you can make the case," Rosenthal said.
"Based on his performance, the seven- or eight-WAR seasons he might consistently give you for several years, plus the credibility he gives your franchise, plus the marketing value and all the other intangibles he brings—you can make the case that, in a baseball sense (not a real-world sense), he is worth the money."
Juan Soto has already reportedly got offers from five teams, which include the LA Dodgers, Yankees, Mets, Boston Red Sox and Toronto Blue Jays. He will soon make a decision possibly around the MLB Winter GM meetings which is scheduled between Dec. 8-11 in Dallas.