Key Dodgers' roster hole will help Padres avoid nightmare scene amid Juan Soto rumors

The Los Angeles Dodgers will reportedly look to enter the Juan Soto sweepstakes this offseason. According to MLB insider and New York Post columnist Jon Heyman, "if he's interested," the Dodgers plan to pursue Soto in free agency.

The New York Yankees outfielder is set to become one of the richest men in the sport. Though unlikely to surpass Shohei Ohtani's $700 million contract from last winter, Soto could approach upwards of $500 million this offseason. Heyman is reporting that Ohtani's heavily-deferred contract is the only reason LA can even consider this type of high-priced addition.

News that the Dodgers will likely enter the bidding for Soto's services has to be gut-wrenching for San Diego Padres fans. After all, Soto was part of the Padres roster heading into last winter, and was eventually traded to New York last December. And while the idea of Soto joining Ohtani in Los Angeles would be a crushing blow to the Friar faithful, there's reason to believe that the Dodgers may look elsewhere to improve their roster this offseason.

Dodgers' shortstop hole will help Padres avoid nightmare scene with Juan Soto

Soto would be a premier addition to any roster, but the Dodgers desperately need to find a shortstop this winter. Ever since both Trea Turner and Corey Seager signed elsewhere, the Dodgers have tried a number of combinations to fill the void, but none have worked.

The Dodgers have gone with Gavin Lux, Miguel Rojas, Tommy Edman, Nick Ahmed, Chris Taylor, and even Mookie Betts over the past two seasons, and none of them have been able to secure the position.

This winter offers the Dodgers a chance to upgrade the position with one of the better offensive shortstops in the game. Milwaukee Brewers' infielder Willy Adames will hit the open market this offseason, and after being a trade target of LA's the past few years, it would seem likely that the Dodgers will look to pursue the 29-year-old when they're able to.

Between Los Angeles' need for a shortstop and the desperation of both Major League clubs in New York to make a splash this offseason, Padres fans are hopeful that Soto does not return to the NL West. Seeing Soto in Dodger blue would truly be a nightmare scenario for the Friar faithful.

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