Losing Juan Soto could be a blessing in disguise for the Yankees.
That's the opinion of former Rockies general manager Dan O'Dowd, who told The Post's Joel Sherman on his podcast “The Show” that the Yankees should spread out Soto's salary and replace him with Soto. He said he believes the addition will make the Yankees a better team. A few this offseason.
“I don't know if it's in the best interest of the Yankees to go down this path. I don't think there's one way to win games, and it's like, without this player, we're never going to have a chance to win. It would be foolish to suggest that,” O'Dowd said. “The Yankees have three players committed to $108 million a year. If they sign Juan Soto with six, they'll give four players $168 million. Simply, the math doesn't work. With the depth of their system and the impact of their prospects, they field a quality team with the depth needed to win in today's games. cannot be placed.
“So if I were the Yankees, I'd definitely want him back, but I don't think they're in as desperate a situation as the other three teams, so I expect to lose him. ”
The Yankees are one of five teams participating in Soto's sweepstakes, along with the Mets, Red Sox, Blue Jays and Dodgers.
Since Soto is only 26 years old, his contract should be at least 10 years, but he will receive at least $600 million and could possibly exceed $700 million.
O'Dowd, who was the Rockies' chief executive from 1999 to 2014, praised Soto as a great hitter who is “one of the most elite hitters you'll see in our generation.”
Soto helped lead the Yankees to their first World Series in 15 years last season, but O'Dowd believes the Yankees will become too top-heavy with Soto on the roster.
The Yankees already signed big-money contracts with Aaron Judge ($40 million per year), Gerrit Cole ($36 million per year), Carlos Rodon ($26 million per year), and Giancarlo Stanton ($25 million per year). There is.
O'Dowd listed Cody Bellinger, Jurickson Profar, Pete Alonso, Christian Walker and Nolan Arenado as free agents and trade candidates interested in replacing Soto.
“I would go in different directions knowing that Soto would give me the most dynamic player, but the reality is, I need to lead a team, including the Yankees. Every team has a salary limit,'' said O'Dowd, who led the Rockies to the 2007 National League pennant championship. “In fact, I'm going to spend a lot of time figuring out how to build a championship team without Juan Soto, and I'm sure that's not in their best interest long-term.” I haven’t.”
He added: “I think that would be healthier for the franchise.”
O'Dowd also pointed out that the Mets' only big contract belongs to Francisco Lindor, so they are in a good financial position to receive Soto's high salary, and along with Vlad Guerrero Jr., Shohei Ohtani. After missing out, he pointed out how desperate Toronto is to acquire a star. And Bo Bichette is having a walk-on year.
He expects the Mets and Blue Jays to be the highest bidders.
Mr O'Dowd said: “I think it comes down to a decision: Does he want to go back to New York, the Yankees, for less money, or does he want to chase money in Toronto or Flushing?”
