Why The Dodgers Stayed Away From Soto & Comparing Shohei's Contract

[@Gao960]

First generation Asian American family here. My son is so fired up about baseball because of Shohei. Seeing a player of his race being on the top of the American pastime makes him feel belong and super proud. We have been buying dodger’s shirts,hats, water bottles, posters, ornaments all year long😂

[@pinverarity]

My best friend is a first-gen Korean-American and she doesn’t generally care about _any_ sports (K-dramas are her thing). Even she keeps up with Ohtani news!

[@patricksainclair2384]

My student is Dominican, and he is super proud, watching his countrymen get the richest contract in history. Rags to riches story.

[@SeorgeGoros]

That’s awesome

[@jajacobs2]

The Ohtani deal looks like a steal now.

[@karlmckinnell2635]

Soto’s deal looks like an armed robbery 😂.

[@exia0616]

From the get-go, ohtani's deal was a bargain.

[@daitran5745]

He is way underpaid

[@evilzilla4053]

@@karlmckinnell2635 19th OBP in MLB history at 26 years old next closes current player with OBP that high is 36th all time Mike trout

[@chazzx1018]

If he pitches again.

[@naxos41]

The reason why Ohtani was able to make that massive deferral was because he personally makes $50M off the field in endorsement. No MLB player is even close to making that money and thus would not accept $2M annual salary from the team. On top of this, Dodgers reportedly made $120M this year directly from the Ohtani contract mostly in the form of stadium advertisement deals with Japanese corporations. So, the Ohtani contact “paying for itself” is a gross understatement. It actually payed Dodgers $118M (or $74M if the deferred portion is included) this year. Everything considered, Ohtani is truly a special case. At the same time, if Dodgers make that much money from advertising then they shouldn’t be able to justify raising ticket prices that much citing a large payroll.

[@EV_Warrior]

I think the Dodgers should have paid Ohtani a billion dollars over 10 years, it'd still be worth it for them.

[@hcf1956]

@@naxos41 it’s just isn’t fair, is it? 🤗🤭. Round 2 is coming up…🥁🥁🥁roll, Japanese ace Roki Sasaki, will sign with LA…Dodgers. Just isn’t fair is it????? 🤗🤭

[@ayoancientone346]

Absolutely great comment 👍

[@mrboast2826]

I mean it's kinda justify went they have foreign ticket demand though..You cant blame them for raising tickets when people stilll wanted that ticket

[@hcf1956]

@@naxos41 interesting. This speaks loudly for shrewd organization and operation. High power finance and investment. It’s obvious the Dodgers are not only heads and shoulders above the MLB. A lesson MLB can and must get better operationally and financially. As for how much the Dodgers charge fans is a question of what the fans are willing to pay, isn’t it? What the market will bear. However, if you take into consideration of the continuing ballpark improvements and renovations to the stadium, the fans are “apparently” am happy for the additions and improvements. The fans “apparently” willingly pay for the updates and improvements for the ballpark. So, maybe 🤔 your team could and should take a page from the Dodgers operation and implement it as well. Maybe 🤔 you’ll or your team will find it better? GFY and the team as well.

[@theflaco9533]

You are spot on. Dodgers have a very, very smart ownership. Overpay for NYM. Why, when Dodgers gave 700 for 10yrs to Ohtani? Well, simple, for what you just said. Dodgers paid for a GREAT player/pitcher AND made a GREAT investment that will make them tons of money globally. This is not even close! Dodgers win, again!

[@bobbowie9350]

They're smart but lots of bad signings too. Tons of bad signings. The stars finally lined up.

[@blakeloh]

​@bobbowie9350 LOL what bad signings are you talking about?

[@GWizzz-o8c]

​@blakeloh ever heard of Trevor Bauer? 😂😂😂😂😂

[@TKO-1503]

@@GWizzz-o8cgoofy Trevor was never was never a bad signing. Dude is a dominant ace, with a great pitching understanding. Had that fake allegation not been placed on him he would have been in the show pitching lights out still.

[@GWizzz-o8c]

​@@TKO-1503YOU must be dumb and dumber 😂😂😂😂😂😅

[@Userrrtube]

The Mets tried to land ohtaní failed ,tried again with yamamoto failed ! They were desperate to land something! They went and paid 700 for a DH with O Defense! He can't pitch he can't steal bases I don't think he sells more jerseys more than Tatis Jr ! This will go down as the worst contract in sports history! The Mets took a bullet straight to the head ! Soto's value is around 300 to 400 because he's young!

[@butchieyost9129]

And in reality he’s 29-30 years old.

[@MrBestard]

​@butchieyost9129 😂 very likely

[@f430ferrari5]

And the Mets are still paying Bobby Bonilla! 😂🤣🤣

[@crooklynz718]

Clueless takes!

[@PurpleJinzo]

@@crooklynz718extremely clueless

[@Renteriaryans]

Juan Soto is not worth that! He is a one-way player . And he is a average outfielder at best. The Mets were insane to give him that kind of money. He will not live up to his contract. I’m so glad my Dodgers did not waste their money on him.

[@urfavv__Iiv]

as a yankees (and dodgers) fan, i completely agree with you

[@한반도는중국에속]

If Otani is a Super Saiyan, Soto is like Yamcha. He's obviously better than average players, but he can't be compared to Otani. Because Shohei is a living legend.

[@Kathy-22]

Agree

[@한반도는중국에속]

@@Kathy-22 A legendary player who appears once every 100 years🎉

[@kneelbeforezod2160]

Yup

[@lxbui]

Yamcha??? 😂 no at least piccolo!

[@caybertj2015]

Atleast duse don't do soto that bad

[@CuriousJet]

You’re right on point about Ohtani comparison to Soto. Ohtani isn’t selfish. And Dodgers are smart. Thats why I think Dodgers will continue to do well for the next 10 years.

[@chazzx1018]

Ohtani had the biggest contract in mlb history and he isn't selfish? Ok guy. Paying any athlete 700 million or more is just stupid. Neither do anything important to society.

[@OneStepBehindd]

As good as Soto, this may end up being the worst contract in the history of baseball. Even if Ohtani can’t pitch today, he has proven to the world, his bat is there. Soto, if his bat is out, he has no value😂

[@22mikevu]

Just ask the Yankee fans how heart broken and dissapointing they were for the owner and the fans after spending that amount of money and get nothing to show for.

[@jerryfusilli8152]

Let’s not forget Ohtani can play a better right field than Soto

[@carlfrye1566]

​@@jerryfusilli8152: Soto helped get NY get to the WS like Ohtani helped LA - Judges 1st WS in his 9 year career). Freddy won it for LA and Judge was non - existant.

[@westcoast-ninja]

Ohtani makes millions away from the Dodgers he is the most marketable baseball player in the MLB today, he is making the Dodgers over $120 million in revenue because he is a household name and well worth the amount he is making. Between endorsements and international endorsements is insane! T.V. contracts just boat loads of money. So the Dodgers are in an amazing position. Soto who in my option is not worth that kind of money he is not marketable because of his cocky arrogances. He is a below average outfielder you can run on him and he misses a lot of balls that should not be dropping in front of him. Ohtani is margin+ for the Dodgers and Soto puts the Mets on the - margin side.

[@mrboast2826]

Kinda crazy any Japanese sports star really getting high sponsorship from their country like Kei Nishikori ..With this sponsorship, they don't even care getting deferral from any team

[@carlosiperez4108]

@@westcoast-ninja Ohtani being unselfish is what lead the door for them to add additional talent to win championships. They will have 3/4 by the time his contact ends.

[@asagayaboy5481]

Not to mention Dodgers value as an organisation will certainly increase. Technically the Ohtani contract was just paid by itself.

[@ponyboytoronto6516]

The Mets are doomed for the next 15 years. Obviously Soto is going to where the money is, and not where the Championships are. He has a different motive than Shohei Ohtani and the Dodgers.

[@adancontreras6383]

Just like everyone says. Soto is a mercenary

[@carlfrye1566]

​@@adancontreras6383: Soto.....ONE year with Yankees, Judge finally made it to the World Series.

[@carlfrye1566]

Baseball is a funny game.....the old guy with the bad ankle - as great as Ohtani is Freedy Freeman got the big hits and won The MVP.

[@encinobalboa]

Soto has 5 to 7 peak years after which he will decline. Look at Pujols who had all-Galaxy stats with the Cards and then declined steadily with the Angels. Soto has not put up numbers close to what Albert did.

[@michaelpanis7276]

You are worth what anyone is willing to pay you, good for Soto Ohtani’s contract will go down as one of the best deals of all time, 10x 2 mil & then 10x 68 mil is insane value Hitting only vs. GOAT 2-way player

[@rhodesohlerking7462]

Barry Bonds

[@rakerdinh7593]

@@rhodesohlerking7462And got banned from the Hall? 😂

[@gatorhunter18]

@@rhodesohlerking7462how many rings does Barry have again?

[@darksword1]

Just because the Mets were willing to pay Soto that much doesn't mean he's worth that contract. There is such a thing as a mistake contract, and this is one of them. I think only Ohtani would be worth such a contract.

[@michaelpanis7276]

@ it 100% means Soto is “worth” that. Doesn’t matter how he performs, those checks will cash. The question is: will he play up to his value of 15/765 (up to 805)? That will only be determined at the end of the contract.

[@BakoSooner]

Dodgers got two players for $700m. Enough said.

[@George-f8h]

Maybe the Dodgers got 3 players in Ohtani: pitcher, DH, outfielder (after his pitching career is done)

[@BentleyVB]

Two great players

[@qwj68boots]

Teams need pitching, not a one tool guy. 15 years, he will not stay there for that duration.

[@koningklootzak7788]

5 players in Ohtani. Pitcher, DH, possible outfielder, player coach, motivator

[@BentleyVB]

@@koningklootzak7788 your right he does bring the winning aspect to his teammates.

[@bmw128racer]

Dodgers got a bargain with Ohtani. The Dodgers have become Japan's team, maybe all of Asia. That's a lot of Dodgers goods (caps, t-shirts, hoodies, etc) that get sold throughout Asia.

[@carlnilssonyoung8961]

Only 3 countries in Asia the public know Ohtani n buy his merchandise. Japan, Korea, Taiwan. The rest of Asian never watch a baseball game

[@bmw128racer]

@@carlnilssonyoung8961 That's most likely three more countries than most MLB players' merchandise.

[@kinennsa]

@@carlnilssonyoung8961 these are Asia's only three developed countries, not including Israel for obvious reason.

[@pinverarity]

Someday an MLB team is going to find & develop an Indian national baseball star. I can’t even imagine what an earthquake that would be.

[@nadstengco2591]

​@@carlnilssonyoung8961speak for yourself.. Baseball is not as popular in some Asian countries but there are still Fans of Ohtani everywhere in Asia.. I mean the dude just has that aura of a superstar because he even attracts none baseball fans and even revives interest on old past baseball fans either..

[@bpach8919]

Here’s the main difference between these 2 players contracts and what they bring to the team. It took me months to be able to buy Ohtani’s jersey when he got to LA. You can buy Soto’s right now in any size

[@ricardomondragon7320]

I still haven’t got it ….. it’s been in the bin

[@musi3400]

Ohtani and Decoy brought huge economic benefits to the Dodgers, LA and the US. Ohtani has sponsors in Japan, Asia and Europe, and the Dodgers have received various benefits such as advertising fees, copyright fees, viewership and ticket sales. The difference between Ohtani and Soto is that Soto does not have such sponsors.

[@GeorgeKuan-o8m]

Ohtani contract seemed like a win for baseball…Soto contract seemed like a negative to the sport

[@Ryenobal]

Soto has no team loyalty, mediocre fielding, and poor base running; this contract is a disaster in the making for the Mets.

[@joejackson9986]

“Mediocre” fielding? That’s putting it kindly. Lol

[@Will-si5ps]

Ohtani started the 50/50 club but he also started $700 million dollars club. Vladimir will be a free agent next year, he is the same age and on the same tier as Soto. There is a high probably that he will be the next $700 million dollar player I don't think Soto deserves to be the highest paid. The only players that deserve this type of contract is Acuna, Ohtani and Judge....

[@lagov3781]

acuña would deserve that money if he could stay on the field

[@markrohan07]

There's no way Vladdy gets $700. He'll probably get an inflated contract in the $400 million ballpark but that number is also contingent on what number Pete Alonso goes for.

[@joejackson9986]

Mets overpaid for one-way player with abysmal defense. Dodgers got two HOF players in one AND already got the payoff on just one year. Mets just shooting themselves in the foot again. Lol

[@Objectivity-w5j]

I believe the Dodgers were just in the Soto sweepstakes just in case things fell apart with the Yankees and Mets. They never intended to spend another $700m and only offered what they offered to show some respect to the Agent who has clients on the Dodgers and will have others the Dodgers might be interested in. Its about solidifying relationships in the industry.

[@Tony-q8r]

I agree with you... The Dodgers were just window shopping

[@bobbowie9350]

It's all PR.

[@IsThisThePrizeIveWaitedFor]

They were in it to drive up Soto’s price to who eventually gets him 😊

[@gabgarcia5446]

Ohtani motivation and business mind is typical of Japanese culture. They study hard, work hard, invest in the future and play the long game.

[@おれんじぷりん-m2k]

Ohtani absolutely LOVES baseball. That is a huge difference. For him, it's not just business.

[@MMuraseofSandvich]

_They study hard, work hard, invest in the future and play the long game._ Study hard, sure, as long as they believe they have a shot at prosperity or achieving a dream. But if the student faces a crisis, they can succumb to despair very quickly, and I don't think Japanese culture or society has done nearly enough to address that. Work hard, yeah, some work themselves to death. Invest in the future and play the long game... I wouldn't generalize that far. I would characterize the Japanese (business) mindset as being conservative to a fault, avoiding risks, and being so rigid that they fail to anticipate scenarios where they have to make bold moves. Shohei had a situation early in 2024 where he ran into exactly that: Ippei's gambling addiction and criminal behavior. Allowing one man to be the sole trusted point of contact for a big bank account is one of the dumbest things a businessman can do, but that's exactly what happened. The difference between Shohei and many Japanese businessmen is that he understood the moment and that he needed to make a very painful and public move, and he followed through on it. It did help that 3 separate federal departments all said that he was clean.

[@johndurrer7869]

10:35 everyone forgets that his best tool outside of pitching was always viewed as his defense while he was in Japan. He could be the best defensive outfielder the game of baseball has ever seen. Imagine how many assists he would het with that arm. Scoring from second or going first to third would be very difficult against that arm. If his pitching declines he will be an electric defensive outfielder that steals 50 to 60 bases. You can honestly make a case that his WAR would be higher if he didnt pitch and just moved to CF.

[@xeechet6290]

EXACTLY!! Ohtani is a 5 n 1 guy, Hitter, pitcher, outfielder, base stealer, great motivator! unbeatable!

[@johndurrer7869]

@ He truly is the most talented athlete of my lifetime. I believe if baseball is played for 1000 years there wont be another player like him again. The odds of a player becoming a top two hitter, top 10 pitcher, top three base stealer and possibly one of the best defensive outfielders to ever live is absurd. When I watch him play I can’t help but laugh, because it’s comical how good he is.

[@Finedeserthouses]

@@johndurrer7869That is so true 🎉 but the thing is, Japanese comic creators have said that if they were to draft what Shohei has done as story lines, they would have been surely rejected because they were all too good to be true😂😂😂 Facing Mike Trout at WBC as a last hitter, striking him out at full count, making into 40/40 club by the walk off grand slam, starting 50/50 club with the best record in a single day performance…. Yeah I guess if you wrote a comic like that, people would say, “Yeah right! Only in manga!!!🙄” but he is actually doing it 😂😂😂We are witnessing this living legend so we have to really enjoy the moments and appreciate them ❤

[@AngelRodriguezFritoLay]

Ohtani makes sense as the GOAT. Others not so much but hey, get the bag.

[@fire_watch7735]

Soto isn’t in the same conversation as Ohtani! And Judge is a far superior player. Witt is also a better all-around player.

[@andrewsimon713]

Ohtani is Michael Jordan of baseball he’s box office

[@LordSteeleCastleClashPsteele68]

No way he's at least the babe Ruth of baseball

[@richmondxavieriringan7491]

You could see the difference during their FA years. Ohtani was being welcomed by all fans on every single stadium in hopes of landing him, soto was only welcomed in New York.

[@ads06.1]

I count myself blessed for having grown up playing & loving baseball, and for being able to work and live in Japan (my favorite country and place in the world) for 9+ years, and for as much as I thought that I loved the game, nothing (absolutely nothing) compares to Japan's love for the game and how they approach & play the sport. I firmly believe that an evolution in the sport from how it's organized, approached, managed, supported, and played, will happen if/when the US begins to collaborate and integrate more closely with Japan, and the benefits have the potential to positively affect and impact the US society and culture.

[@gregdahlen4375]

how does japan approach and play the sport?

[@ads06.1]

@ I made the following observations. 1. Discipline and standards applied to every player. 2. Organization with great detail. 3. Repeatable routines. 4. Strict uniformity. 5. Team first and always. 6. Respect for the game and everyone on the field. 7. Pride in the team. 8. Maximum focus and effort in every action. 9. Mental focus and resilience. 10. Passion for the game, the team, and their effort and performance. 11. Analyzing every movement, motion, and action in detail and exploring ways to improve it. This starts with the organization/team and extends all the way down to each player. Funny enough, these are the same attributes and qualities that are a part of Japanese culture and society. This isn’t to say it’s a utopia as there has never been one nor will there ever be. It’s rather observations and reflections and pointing out how baseball is an extension of the Japanese society and culture. Which is why it’s in a totally different league from the U.S.

[@gregdahlen4375]

@@ads06.1 Yet overall aren't American players better than Japanese players?

[@ads06.1]

@@gregdahlen4375 I believe that's a relative question and depends on the definition of "better" and the measurement(s) that are used to determine it. What definition & measurement(s) do you think are appropriate to evaluate US & Japan baseball players?

[@gregdahlen4375]

@@ads06.1 Thanks for asking. I'm not knowledgeable enough to answer specifically. As a more casual fan it feels like overall American players are better than Japanese. I think that's partially because globally I believe more American players are famous than Japanese players. If they're more famous, that to me suggests they're better. But I could be wrong. But don't Japanese players, including the stars, want to come here and play, whereas no American star would go to Japan to play if they could play MLB here?

[@JEFE310]

Congratulations to Soto. This isn't the first bad deal the Mets have made. They're still paying Bobby Bonilla all the way out to 2035 with 8% interest. Oh well not my money

[@anthonylewis6593]

The Bonilla deal wasn't a bad deal for either party. The money that the Mets saved with deferring BB's money, they used to sign Mike Hampton. With that, they got a World Series appearance. When Hampton bolted to Colorado, the Mets got a compensory draft pick...which the Mets drafted David Wright, a Mets all-timer. I can't tell you how much money that generated for the Mets over his career, but they didn't lose money over it.

[@encinobalboa]

Soto is not as good as Sho, Freddie, or Mookie. Soto does not have a league MVP. Soto's average is good but not elite. His RBI's are good but not elite. He hits a lot of home runs but has only 200 over 8 years which is not elite.

[@jose4834]

He's not even worth that money. His Defense sucks, and his running sucks. You might have a bat, but that's not enough.

[@timmyg831]

Waste of money 😂… Soto will never be able to pay it back. Not with a huge rise in ticket sales, nor huge product sales, and not Japanese companies type endorsements. Yes Shohei is a huge star globally even in Korea where Japanese players were ignored. And Dodgers will win more rings. Mets? Can’t win with 1 player. Should’ve invested in 3 great players for that money.

[@johnheussenstamm8428]

I'm not a scout or a player but a lifelong fan of baseball. After watching the World Series I felt Soto's vibe wasn't helping the team pull together. Correct me if I'm not reading into this clearly but he seems like a great contributor but not a solid team leader. He reminds me of Gary Sheffield when he came to the Dodgers. Gary was a great player but didn't help to pull the Dodgers together as a team. Both of those guys would probably want to punch me in the face for saying that and that's how it feels which of course isn't the reaction they should make. It shouldn't be that sort of message to the team.

[@rivtrvlr]

"Teoscar is a good player"...... His numbers are equal to SOTO for 2024. He hit 8 less homers as a right hander at Dodger Stadium; Soto will hit 8-10 less at Mets stadium being 15 feet further/ higher fence.

[@glennstevens4259]

Thank God the Dodgers didn't make the mistake the Mets made for Soto. 15 years is too long, and it is also way to much money. Actually, I believe the Yankees and the Dodgers will be better off without him.

[@wayne0320]

Soto fielding clips were the funniest shit I've ever seen.😂

[@ayoancientone346]

40% taxes 765 million doesn't look so big now, and ohtani is so much better no question about it

[@JamesDore-ez7qg]

That's true it's not even close when it comes to Shohei and Soto.Shohei has 36 awards Soto has what four the mets are suckers!!!!!!!!!!

[@strtupg]

Mets overpaid by a HUGE margin. Soto is worth half that.

[@nadstengco2591]

He gave up that much money because he really wanted to win.. He was always vocal about it.. Him deferring his contract gaves the team much more leeway to build a stronger team.. He was the one who pitched the deferment to the Dogers.. That alone shows how much hungry he is to win championships and cared less for money.. Not because he was making a lot of 💵 but because he simply doesn't care.. He was doing it when he was still in Japan living on just 2k a month and living in the team dorms even when he already has millions.. The Dodgers are just capitalising on his desire for winning..

[@islander5858]

The padres suck

[@fg5332]

We know so shut up

[@roberturibe3150]

Not everybody knows

[@Tony-q8r]

Some know but pretend they don't know 😂

[@romeosira3665]

👏💯👏💯👏👏💯

[@JEFE310]

I didn't know 😜

[@christopherhogg3227]

Ohtani just wants to compete for World Champions. That’s why the deal was structured this way. Further more, he pulls in $40m in endorsements a year. The 16mil his translator stole is pocket change. $700 mil was a good deal for everybody. Sho’s happy cause they get to keep on getting top tiered talent. Dodger’s are the same. Pyaaa! Future is bright.

[@leonkincoln-dp8vs]

I think Soto isn't even the most popular in DR, it's Tatis.

[@dodgersnation8574]

Exactly Ohtani is a global icon that made back most of his contract back! Dodgers made the right choice and Ohtani doesn’t need to go back to the dodgers and ask for more money! Ohtani has character and class and doesn’t need to be a blood sucker like Soto for more money. His contract is perfect where it is!

[@davidmadrid6909]

LETS. COMPARE * HOW MANY HRS SOTO * HAD THIS YEAR # now compare. Stolen bases * Soto does not pitch. * ITS THERE IN THE OPEN#

[@mattschultz5155]

@@davidmadrid6909 Let's compare...how many home runs did Ohtani hit when he was 23 24 25 and 26? Now compare Soto 19 20 21 and 22! Soto blows his stats out of the water! All the trading on Soto has effected his stats a bit. Ohtani 2 teams to Soto 4! Soto will hit more home runs next year than Ohtani...Shohei already bet on that! 😂

[@carlfrye1566]

Let's compare....Yankees with Judge for 9 years before Soto....no World Series. Yankees with Soto for on year......one World Series.

[@buchumnoi5263]

Sad to see that Tatis and Witt get less money and they're both overall better players than Soto.

[@omgbygollywow]

Pitchers are more valuable than hitters. Mets will likely regret this contract.

[@venegas316]

I think the Yankees are the big winners here

[@michaelrubio7070]

NOT

[@michaelrubio7070]

Jaun Soto Sucks 😅overrated got robbed

[@carlfrye1566]

@@venegas316 : Yankees, no WS without Judge until Soto showed up. Now you are back to Judge and no Soto. Mets WITH Soto are a lot more competitive with The Dodgers than without. Then again The Dodgers needed an old Freddy Freeman to win the WS. Baseball is a funny game and the best team on paper doesn't always win, and often does not.

[@carlfrye1566]

@@venegas316 : Had they signed Soto would they be the losers?

[@westcoast-ninja]

facts giving his non defensive ass that kind of money is insane!!!

[@antoniobrown1616]

When I tried to discuss the economics of Othanis contract most people did not understand. You cannot compare the two.

[@timw8646]

dodgers don't need soto. they need teo more than soto because they are heavy on left handedness

[@hulkingwarmachine3]

Glad the Dodgers didn’t pay Soto

[@Necrofinowa]

So basically he leaves because of no personal luxury suite, about 2% salary difference, and not having an opt-out clause after 4 year so he can drag you through it all over again.

[@element720]

Soto is worth $500M max

[@SeorgeGoros]

Expensive tickets isn’t even why I stay away from the games, it’s the goddamn traffic on the 101 going to the stadium at the worst possible time of day

[@Samsonmanase]

So happy as a dodgers cuz he wasn’t going help us

[@mikenoun6437]

Steve Cohen is so confident in making money that he doesn’t even care how much he spends-it’s wild. That contract is just insane. They act like Ohtani’s deal is strictly about baseball, but come on, it’s so much bigger than that. Juan Soto, yeah, he’s from the DR, and there’s no doubt the DR cranks out talent like crazy, but Soto doesn’t represent the whole country. Ohtani, though? He’s not just Japan-he’s got most of Asia behind him. I mean, a Taiwanese company dropped millions just to get his 50th home run ball. That tells you everything.

[@Jackson-T23]

For the price of Soto......Dodgers could sign Blake Snell, Teoscar Hernandez, and Sasaki or another top-tier pitcher. Personally I think the latter leads to a better outcome.

[@frederickd.provoncha8671]

Wow this World Series is the gift that just keeps on giving! Not only did the Dodgers win, but they beat the YANKEES, and in one of the most humiliating ways possible, a defensive implosion by the Yankees. Then, the Scouting Report came out that the Dodgers used to exploit the Yankees' poor defense, further embarrassing them. Then the Yankees lose Soto, to the METS! And this after having given up so much to acquire him in the first place, and then doing everything they could to retain him! A literal parade of embarrassments. My inner child, persecuted by arrogant Yankee fans so many years ago, is shouting with glee. :-)

[@eblsymk]

nothing like driving up the price so someone else will overpay!

[@DsonicJ5672]

Dodgers set the bar for well managed teams. 3 Top 10 players in top of the line up, top 10 and usually a top 5 farm system, elite scouting, elite pitching, best attendance, making playoffs every season last 10 years, bottom of the order hitting, elite relievers. This is all because some players want to win and are willing to take pay cuts, also the farm system is unreal. I mean look at Bobby Miller, other than the injuries, he’s scary good. Look at what they did to Edman.

[@roymurray2516]

And the winner is the Dodgers!!

[@guscunnilinx4431]

Good for Soto, and good for the Dodgers.

[@rivtrvlr]

We dodged a bullet not getting Soto with that contract. Teoscar is a better team player, similar numbers, power, average.

[@TankH-z3z]

Deferred payouts should be mandatory. Salary Caps gotta happen. Obscene overpayment of CEOs and entertainers.

[@H78TF13]

On point on everything you said.

[@allen_sliwa]

Appreciate it

[@vlesmeries]

I blame the Agent and the owners for this situation. Crazy and good on Shohei for giving the Dodgers such a team friendly contract. I hope they keep winning championships.

[@MMuraseofSandvich]

I think this contract demonstrates that the Yankees needed Soto more than Soto needed them, and that's going to sting the Yankees and their fans quite a bit. It also shows that the Mets need someone like Soto way more than the Dodgers do, especially if Pete Alonso goes to another team in free agency. It's the job of Soto's agent to get him the best deal possible, and it looks like he succeeded, so good for them. But Soto didn't/couldn't carry the Yankees to a World Series title, and the Mets should understand that they'll need to put together a team to win it all.

[@littlesame]

He wasn’t even the MVPs on his previous teams and not going to generate even 2% of his salary in his entire contractual term, but let Mets spend what they want he’s young is the general chant

[@adancontreras6383]

The most overpaid player ever. And that's without a MVP

[@Sick_Boy.]

“Steve took away a player from the Yankees” This is why it’s a bad contract. He cared more about taking a player away than building the team with all available free agents that can get that team into October at least. As a dodger fan I am happy you paid all that money and I am kicking my heels that none of it is deferred. Eventually an owner will get tired of paying 110% for every dollar he goes over the luxury tax.

[@WanderingWolf365]

The Yankees played the Mets like a fiddle. They pumped up Soto's price knowing they weren't going to sign him. How is a guy who averages 5 WAR a year in his prime a generational talent exactly? The rate is ~$6 million per WAR. Soto's getting $12 million/WAR for FIFTEEN YEARS. Players start declining around 30 (eg: Mike Trout).... Soto's "26 years old". This contract could be crippling and I'm not exaggerating. - WW

[@cryptoronin3073]

In five years, Soto will be playing for another team while the Mets still paying for the grand majority of his salary

[@williamy3947]

People need to remember that due to the deferrals, Ohtani's deal counts as ~46mil per year against the luxury tax. The Dodgers carry that in calculations against what they have to pay in penalties, and basically need to set aside 46mil a year to "grow" to 68mil by 2034. So it's not an easy slam dunk savings, but still something. Soto is a straight 51mil with no deferrals. However if the Dodgers can invest that 46mil to grow at a rate higher than avg, it's actually even better for them. With Soto getting this much, imagine what a 26 year old healthy Ohtani woulda gotten. Easily a billion id say.

[@PMorinaga]

great dodgers did not get Overpriced Soto. now lets move forward and get an Outfield bat and better defensive player than Juan S. And Pitching. Blue will do Fine without him. 🎉 Padres did better without Soto.

[@urfavv__Iiv]

in pinstripes, soto hit 41 homers, but he's a one-way player. as a yankees fan i was embarrassed to see soto have such below average talent as an outfielder..

[@AztecRay]

Richest. Not the smartest

[@おれんじぷりん-m2k]

Ohtani absolutely LOVES baseball. That is a huge difference. For him, it's not just business.

[@selw0nk]

He can only hit, his fielding and running the bases are not good. Plus he hasn't won any MVP's like Otani. It's another Albert Pujols contract in the making.

[@AJ-by6pd]

The interesting thing about the Mets is even with signing Soto and having Lindor,they still have a lot of holes on their roster, mostly pitching.

[@carlnilssonyoung8961]

Unless Soto also pitch as ohtani level n there are 10of thousands of Dominican tourists come to NYC spending on merchandise every year , otherwise this is going to be a very bad deal. But I’m happy for senga

[@crooklynz718]

It's comical how whenever the Dodgers go out and sign players to massive contracts and then give them deferrals to find a loop hole so they won't be penalized for going over the muxury tax It's perfectly fine a great move, yet when it's Steve Cohen everybody starts crying 'he's ruining baseball'

[@AztecRay]

Mets are the Clippers of MLB. Either you're dumb or blind

[@Tony-q8r]

What's comical is you crying about Dodgers loophole deferrals, while telling everybody else not to cry about Steve Cohen 😂

[@crooklynz718]

@AztecRay another clueless casual!

[@crooklynz718]

@Tony-q8r another clueless casual confusing facts with crying. Hey bozo learn how to comprehend comments better!

[@Ret_Chrogames]

Literally everyone said the dodgers are ruining baseball

[@LordSteeleCastleClashPsteele68]

Ohtani is the only reason i still watched baseball after the trashstros cheated my dodgers and he fully brought me back when he signed with the dodgers

[@baronvg]

For 2/3 of this contract, Soto will be getting paid $51 million a year to two just two things: Hit and Run. That’s it. Wow.

[@AztecRay]

Mets will never win with that contract. Soto will never have the season he just had with the Yanks

[@peted7687]

Im not a yankee fan, but soto screwed yanks. Yanks gave up so much for him and end up losing him to Mets for 5 million dollars. SMH

[@George-f8h]

The Yankees screwed themselves. Soto was a rental. He never promised the Yankees that he would sign with them.

[@Airsole23]

It’s the signing bonus that the Mets give, the difference in 1 year and difference if the team doesn’t let Soto opt out. The. Contracts goes to 800 million . Yankees fans cannot do math lol

[@luisdavila2108]

@@Airsole23The media that are not Yankee fans are saying that like Shannon Sharp and Mad Dog. Yankee fans are aware of the suite and signing bonus, blaming security, etc. Time to move on.

[@lpollock7893]

Also, I don’t know if Ohtani went to the Dodgers or the Dodgers approached Ohtani about the deferral, but Ohtani was willing to defer to ensure that the Dodgers put players around him that would get him a World Series ring. And it’s smart from a tax point of view as he will likely not be living in CA when he gets the bulk of the money paid.

[@hawjsta]

Shohei is making more yearly then Soto. 700million 10year contract vs a 765million 15year contract

[@AztecRay]

Shoei didn't grow up dirt poor and uneducated. Dude is making 100 million a year on endorsements

[@Frm-c6o]

Dirt poor and uneducated? Where the hell did you get that information from dude? Stop making 💩 up!

[@Frm-c6o]

💯

[@fabianposadas7588]

The Dodgers have about a billion dollars in deffered contracts. My question is once the payments begin will that limit the dodgers spending power in the future?

easy reason... dodgers don't need soto and his selfish attitude

[@mcsapper]

Soto is a bat, only a bat. Every other aspect of his game is a liability to above average. My favorite part is the near 50% income tax he's about to eat in NY by not deferring. 😂

[@fated316]

Agree 100 percent. Ohtani is a massively better player and makes you money. Soto contract sucks.

[@PirataEscondido]

Great hoops talk!

[@Thhhgg838]

The Mets are ruining baseball right.😂

[@peted7687]

Only when Dodgers win the WS its ruining baseball unless Mets or Yanks win. Then its ok smh

[@Tony-q8r]

The Mets are differently ruining baseball!! with raising the prices on players they just cost Toronto $300 million more to keep Vlad Guerrero, Dodgers didn't do that.

[@jillmartin2164]

The Mets are only ruining the Mets!

[@atlmswbko4394]

The Dodgers meeting with Soto (perhaps as a favor to Snell's agent) gave him a sense of prestige, but it's apparent - as expected by many - that the Dodgers were never serious, because they never got involved in the blind bidding war. At the most, Dodgers were just doing due diligence.

[@mrdwestside]

Ohtani, will take home 89% of the $700M . Soto will take like 59% of his $765M contract plus 5 extra years . What Am I missing _How is this even close ?

[@strange-universe]

how about this - If Joey Votto was playing his age 26 season currently, would you say he is worth 50 mil a year? Go ahead, take the time to check the stats. Compare with Soto.

[@Chinese_Name]

Soto thinks he's Ohtani LMFAO i guess Soto is failing so much that he cares only about money and not winning

[@rakerdinh7593]

American League is weaker, so stay with the Yankees would be better. There is no guarantee with the National League. Look at LeBron, he stayed in the East for so long since the West was and is a different beast. National East will be battling for the division title, good luck to the Mets. If you don’t win the division, play the extra games as a wildcard. See my point, the Dodgers have an easier route to the League Championship Series. Repeat, Threepeat, Forward… Catch us if you can.

[@carlfrye1566]

He saw that team he was on throw away games 5 with their Stellar defense and realized THEY aren't winning. Judge's Yankees before Soto...no WS, Judge's Yankees with Soto.....WS. Now Yankees are back to Judge and no Soto.

[@Chinese_Name]

@@carlfrye1566 blud do you honestly think Mets can do sh.t lol

[@alliegal45]

Soto is hype…Ohtani is action

[@Brian-bb9bl]

Soto will be the next mike trout

[@eros587]

I don't think they stayed away , it just got levels they were no confortable with.