Quote:
Originally Posted by Vladimir_Kyrilytch
There is a scenario where a team like the Cardinals could get Soto. The move would be to unload the farm for him (Gorman, Liberatore, and a whole bunch more) and then take your 2 shots at a World Series title with him. Then trade him after those 2 shots (he would have 1 year remaining then) for as much as you can get back to replenish the assets originally given up. If it worked well, you could get a lot for that last season (or half season) of Soto.
It wouldnt be a long term acquisition, and would be risky, but a midmarket team might make that play.
|
The Gnats won't.
They don't so much care if you can't get him re-signed, that's a YOU problem. They're not going to give a shit what happens after he's dealt.
So they're not going to price him at 'rental' rates. If for no other reason than they won't have to, IMO. If you're the Mets you absolutely pay what it costs. By 2025 (when a Soto deal gets up to full throat), virtually all their long-term liabilities are gone. They'll have one more year of Marte at $20 million, they'll have the Lindor deal and then they'll have probably come up with a LTC for Alonso.
So like $55 million committed, let's say $85 million with Alonso (and even then, Marte's commitment is only 1 more year so it doesn't really matter). For a team that can/will likely carry a $250 million payroll.
To get a hitter who's likely on his way to the HoF w/ a 99% vote total on his first ballot? Yeah - they'll make the money work. And the Nationals know it, so they likely won't offer a negotiating window but they'll make it cost the same as if they had.
Maybe the entire market freezes them out and a 'rental' price tag is the best they can do. But it seems damn unlikely.