Dodgers-Juan Soto rumors getting louder at the absolute perfect time

The Los Angeles Dodgers are up 2-0 in the World Series over the New York Yankees. Yoshinobu Yamamoto's dominant performance in Game 2 put LA in the driver's seat, and the Yankees are on life support as the series shifts to the Bronx on Monday night. Life can't get much better if you're a Dodgers fan, or can it?

While so many throughout the Dodgers' fanbase are focused on the Fall Classic (and they should be), rumors began to swirl on Sunday after MLB insider Jon Heyman reported that Los Angeles plans to enter the Juan Soto sweepstakes this offseason.

According to Heyman, Shohei Ohtani's heavily-defered $700 million deal will allow Andrew Friedman and the Dodgers' front office to pursue another blockbuster free agent signing this winter.

LA Dodgers Rumors: Juan Soto could be on Los Angeles' radar this offseason

According to Heyman's sources, "if he's interested" in a west coast move, the Dodgers plan to be part of the impending bidding war for Soto's services. Much like Ohtani last winter, Soto will be the hottest name on the free agent market this offseason, but few teams will be in position to extend the type of offer that Soto will command.

While not likely to surpass Ohtani's $700 million deal from a year ago, many experts expect to see Soto's impending deal worth upwards of $50 million per year. That number will be far too much for all but perhaps a half-dozen teams throughout Major League Baseball, and the Dodgers will be in the mix.

Now, just because LA has thrown their hat into the ring does not mean that they'll be the favorites in the Soto derby. The Yankees, New York Mets, and Toronto Blue Jays are all expected to be actively pursuing a deal for Soto this offseason. Don't be shocked if another team makes a run at the four-time All-Star either — some have even suggested the Washington Nationals could pursue a reunion this winter.

If Soto were to join the Dodgers, the rest of MLB would be in an uproar. "The rich getting richer," they'd say, and they'd be correct. One could argue that LA has bigger needs than adding Soto's bat to an already potent lineup, but the Dodgers would be foolish to not even entertain the idea. While still a long shot, don't sleep on the idea of the Dodgers signing Soto this offseason.

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