"Why were Padres better without Juan Soto?" - MLB insider believes Dodgers lineup is fine without coveted free agent
Before the 2024 season, the San Diego Padres made a blockbuster move, sending Juan Soto to the New York Yankees in exchange for right-handers Michael King, Drew Thorpe, Jhony Brito, Randy Vasquez and catcher Kyle Higashioka.
The deal turned out to be great for both teams, as the Yankees made the World Series with the help of Soto, while the Padres were the only team that truly tested World Series champions the LA Dodgers when they faced them in the NLDS.
This supports Bob Nightengale’s point about the Dodgers not really needing another superstar free agent in their ranks. Even though the team reportedly made an offer to the highly sought-after free agent, Nightengale said the Dodgers could live without him.
"They don’t need him — they just won a World Series without the guy," Nightengale said Wednesday on the "Dodgers Dougout" podcast (6:56 onwards).
"I’m not saying it was his fault, but if you’re the Dodgers and you’ve played the Padres a million times over the last few years, why were the Padres so much better last year without Soto than they were with him? I’m not saying Soto made a difference, but obviously, they were a better team playing much better."
Nightengale said he anticipates Soto will remain in New York, adding that the rumors about the Dodgers could be merely speculative.
"So, I think Soto’s staying in New York. I won’t rule out Boston or Toronto, but I don’t think the Dodgers are really in on him. They just don’t need him — why bring him on?"
Teoscar Hernandez could be the reason why Dodgers offered Juan Soto in the first place
The Dodgers are short one outfielder after the 2024 MLB Home Run Derby winner, Teoscar Hernandez, declined the qualifying offer to enter free agency.
At the moment, the free agent market is saturated for everyone not named Juan Soto. The rumor is that the Dodgers only made an offer for Soto in an indirect attempt to lead Hernandez to re-sign with them before the market really opens up.
Should the market open up, teams that missed out on landing Soto would next eye Hernandez, which could then lead the Dodgers to make a relatively expensive offer if they want to land him.
Teoscar Hernandez's agent doesn’t seem to be biting on it, as the Dodgers continue to be named in the Juan Soto sweepstakes.