December 7th, 2023 at 11:30 am 
by Ron Cervenka It is usually pointless to worry about off-season transactions made by teams other than your favorite team; unless, of course, that other team happens to be one of your favorite team’s division rivals – say, like, the San Diego Padres for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
It was being widely reported late Wednesday morning (and later confirmed by Major League Baseball) that the Padres had traded four-time Silver Slugger, 2020 National League Batting Title Champion, and three-time All-Star outfielder Juan Soto to the New York Yankees in exchange for five players:
- RHP Michael King
- Minor League RHP and outfielder Drew Thorpe
- RHP Jhony Brito
- RHP Randy Vásquez
- Catcher Kyle Higashioka
So, what’s the big deal, you ask?
Although not exactly earth-shattering, Soto went 15-for-54 (.278) against the Dodgers in 2023, with nine singles, two doubles, four home runs, and eight RBIs. But what is stuck in the minds of many Dodgers fans is (was) Soto’s knack for seemingly always coming up with a big game-changing hit against Dave Roberts‘ team.
But don’t feel too sorry for the Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic native’s trade to the Yankees. MLB Trade Rumors reported on Wednesday that Soto’s arbitration estimated salary for 2024 will be somewhere around $33 million, which will push his career earnings before free agency past $80 million. That said and barring an in-season contract extension with the Yankees, Soto will become a free agent at season’s end. And with the way things are going in the game today, a 14 or 15 year free-agent deal is very possible for the just-turned (on October 25) 25-year-old All-Star outfielder.
The bottom line? The Dodgers will face Juan Soto’s New York Yankees a grand total of three times during the 2024 regular season (June 7, 8, and 9 at Yankee Stadium), and the Juan Soto-less division-rival San Diego Padres 13 times during the 2024 regular season.
A classic case of addition by subtraction.
Play Ball!
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Posted in 
Once again the Dodgers seem to be putting all of their eggs in one basket. IF they get Ohtani like everyone thinks then it may work out. If it does not then they are left with the leftovers once again. Last time they ended up with the worst pitcher in the league that broke a record for most home runs in one inning. His manager, or lack there of helped him in breaking that horrible record. This organization should have already signed two Aces and still should sign Ohtani but they seem to be acting like a small market team rather than a top tier organization. Lets get this thing going and act like you want to dominate the playoffs!!
Who heartedly agree with this. We aren’t aggressive and it shows in the playoffs. Our plan should be 75% executed by now.
Agreed. All this waiting around while other teams are already making moves is frustrating. They could’ve signed any combination of Snell, Montgomery, and Yamamoto by now. Or better yet, abandon Ohtani and sign all three.
So you actually think that if they dont get him they wont do anything? Other than last year with minor additions,name me one year when they sat and did nothing….ill wait
Disagree Guys. Give Friedman and company a chance. We should know by Monday if Ohtani is a Dodgers or not. Andrew was discussing the possibility of trading prospects. So things will be done. Patience is needed.
Stevebdndodger – I agree with you. Friedman has been said to be playing chess when everyone else is playing checkers. But in this year’s off-season some of you guys think he can’t manage to play tiddly winks? C’mon!
I’m certain he has a plan to supplement the new group of young emerging arms without mortgaging the future to do it – meaning SUPPLEMENT by not having to trade them away or block them.
These guys: Miller, Pepiot, Sheehan, Grove, Knack, Frasso, Ryan aren’t ALL going to become aces of course but one or more may and more importantly they may develop into solid innings-eating rotation guys whose arms don’t fall off – yet. Which every team needs including the Dodgers. In fact that’s the very reason the Padres traded Soto (in addition to salary savings) they need young, long term controllable arms to replace those they traded away to get him 1-1/2 years ago.
It’s the development of these very guys on which hinges signing high dollar free agents of the future.
I’d LOVE to see the Dodgers sign Yamamoto but they won’t if he requires $300MM and a 10 year contract without ever having thrown an MLB pitch. I suspect they will sign/trade for solid veteran arms, at least one RH and one LH – which will annoy all of you no doubt. I hope they do NOT sign Ohtani though if they do it will be exciting in the short run and will solve the DH question. If not Ohtani then JDM and they will see how Buehler does after a late start this season to manage total innings and wait for a Kershaw decision too.
AF is playing Jenga.
Solid post.