DALLAS – Even the manager who watched his team sign Shohei Ohtani for $700 million a year ago did a double take this week at Juan Soto’s $765 million contract with the New York Mets.
“I never thought that would happen,” Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “I was very surprised.”
Imagine the level of shock to baseball’s economic food chain.
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“I was surprised when I saw the bonus. It was good,” Cincinnati Reds manager Terry Francona said.
“I probably didn’t follow[media personnel]that closely,” he added. “Because I didn’t really think we were going to sign him. So I was looking at other things.”
That doesn’t mean the ripple effects of the free agency and trade market won’t have an impact downstream, as teams like the Reds look to acquire the final key pieces expected to become a competitive roster. .
Around the same time as Soto and the Mets’ decision, the Dodgers, another Soto candidate, shifted their focus to a short-term deal for outfielder Michael Conforto, while Soto’s final candidate, the Yankees, signed free agent infielder Christian.・It has been reported that the aim towards Walker has been readjusted. , first baseman, Alex Bregman, third baseman — and the Red Sox, another Soto finalist, are also said to be targeting Bregman.
Meanwhile, the Reds’ district rival St. Louis announced Monday its intention to trade star third baseman Nolan Arenado.
The Reds are swimming in deep water for players after answering many of their pitching questions with the return of Nick Martinez (a $21.05 million qualifying offer) and the trades for Brady Singer and Jonathan India. It’s not like I’m there.
But with Soto gone and other big-money players picking up the pace for the next tier of hitters, the market for the Reds’ desired hitters could crystallize quickly after that.
“People are starting to realize over the past day that things are looking up,” Reds president Nick Krall said, “but nothing fruitful yet.”
Krall is looking to backfill the offensive production lost in the India trade (hopefully picking up a good glove in the process) to complete the heavy lifting of offseason planning. The ideal position would be the outfield.
He also needs a backup catcher (something he didn’t rule out, including when asked about the return of catcher Luke Maile).
But with Matt McClain returning from injury to the middle of the infield (with a plus glove), the outfield appears to be the most fluid and has the most room for upgrade.
When talking about the outfield, Krall poked fun at Spencer Steer, TJ Friedle, Stu Fairchild and Jake Fraley.
“We have good players. The important thing is how we can continue to upgrade,” he said.
Maybe even a center fielder? Free agent Michael A. Taylor could improve the collective defense. The White Sox’ trade for Luis Robert Jr. could provide a two-way upgrade if he can stay healthy, albeit with a $15 million salary in 2025. The Reds are at least one of several teams considering acquiring Robert.
Veteran right fielder Jason Heyward is more of a platoon hitter at this point, but he’s still a good player in the clubhouse who can catch the ball, so he doesn’t seem like he’ll cost that much.
“We need the best possible combination of defense and offense,” Krall said.
(This story has been updated to include video.)