MLB insider sees Giants as possible free agent target for Soto, originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
With New York Yankees slugger Juan Soto set to enter MLB free agency next year, the Giants appear to be in a favorable position to sign the superstar.
San Francisco is one of five teams on Soto’s shortlist of applicants. Jon Heyman of MLB Network believes.
“For me, the Giants are No. 4 and we know they’ve been trying to get a big star for years, right?” Heyman said.
“(Giancarlo) Stanton, (Aaron) Judge, (Shohei) Ohtani, (Bryce) Harper. They also tried to get Soto in a trade (and it didn’t work out). I think they obviously have some hurdles to overcome as they have a difficult field, but they have a chance.”
San Francisco has long had its sights set on a big-name superstar, and Soto fits the bill. The 25-year-old is having one of his best seasons with the Yankees and will be highly coveted once MLB free agency begins.
The Giants have not signed a hitter of Soto’s caliber since signing Barry Bonds in 1993. While San Francisco has had no trouble developing and signing pitchers, they have struggled offensively, especially this season. Heliot Ramos leads the Giants with 53 RBI this season, while Soto has 83 RBI.
The four-time MLB All-Star will not be easy to acquire, however, as he is expected to command one of the highest salaries in the league. Since a player of Soto’s caliber rarely hits the free agent market, many expect him to receive a contract of around 12 years and $482.5 million.
In addition, Oracle Park is not known for being hitter-friendly, and it will be difficult for the Giants to break out of the vicious cycle that has plagued the city of San Francisco in recent years.
Still, Giants fans can dream of Soto throwing bombs in McCovey Cove and leading the franchise back to the top of the National League’s elite teams.
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