Rumors are an inseparable part of possibilities. When there are possibilities, there must be rumors, and the 2023 free agency is probably the best example. From Shohei Ohtani to Yoshinobu Yamamoto, almost all the top free agents are under a deep cloud of speculation. Even San Diego Padres star Juan Soto comes under the cloud. Assuming his trade possibilities, fans and insiders are comparing him with the 29-year-old Japanese pitcher, predicting the younger will surpass the older in value.

Soto is not a free agent this season but rumors of his trade are still circulating, even crossing the expected $500 million value of Ohtani. Though the Padres haven’t performed exceptionally this season, the slugger has played his part well. A recent trend shows that fans consider him a potent competitor of the Japanese ace.

Can Juan Soto Beat Shohei Ohtani

Since Shotime’s free agency was confirmed, a bank-breaking deal was more than expected. Before Ohtani graced the Los Angeles Angels, there was Mike Trout, with whom they signed a record-breaking contract in 2019 at 12-year, $426,500,000. These numbers were intact for the last three years, but this winter, Trout’s crown is under threat.

Though the two-way-phenom’s UCL tear and the surgery have slightly lowered the amount, MLB insiders still predict around $500 million. While there was seemingly no competitor for Shohei Ohtani at first, Juan Soto has emerged in earnest. The assumption may seem strange, but it has a solid base.

Though the Japanese pitcher has touched multiple milestones in his short MLB career, he still lacks the World Series. That’s a significant advantage that the Dominican slugger holds over Ohtani with the 2019 World Series trophy in possession. In contrast, Ohtani can boast the 2023 WBC championship with Team Japan, which he captained unbeaten to the end.

Another major point that may play a vital role is Shotime’s pitching restrictions. He can hit like an MVP in 2024 but can’t throw until 2025 at least. Alternatively, Soto has never played two-way but he is 4 years younger than the Japanese ace and has at least 10 prime years left to contribute to MLB.

Based on a multitude of reasons, fans have assumed that teams may offer Soto more value than Ohtani. However, the Padres could possibly take a different route.

San Diego Padres’s Intentions for Soto

Despite reports of the Padres cutting payroll and trading their star player, GM A. J. Preller has revealed a different plan. As A. J. Cassavell recorded his words, “On Juan Soto, Preller says the two sides will continue to discuss the possibility of an extension.” Preller also said, “Juan long-term, Juan on a one-year deal, that brings different dynamics. We understand what that means for our roster both short-term and long-term.”

Though a trade makes the most sense, the team is probably not considering letting go of their star player this season. The move might help them adjust their payroll, but will be a great loss to their lineup. Perhaps the Friars will wait until the 2024 trade deadline because Soto anyway hits free agency after 2024.

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Either way this winter goes, what do you think about the Soto-Ohtani rumors? Let us know in the comments below!

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