The Philadelphia Phillies are reportedly “expecting” a meeting with Juan Soto

As the Juan Soto sweepstakes heats up, a recent report from USA Today pointed out that the Philadelphia Phillies have “not had a single conversation” about the price of the free agent market this winter. According to MLB.com’s Todd Zolecki, that’s not true.

On the latest episode of The Phillies Show podcast, Zolecki reported that Philadelphia had spoken to Scott Boras about Soto and was planning a meeting with the superstar free agent.

“Just a few days ago there was a report that the Phillies had not yet met with Juan Soto. You will meet him at some point. But also that they have not communicated at all with Scott Boras or anyone associated with it. “Scott Boras,” Zolecki said. “I was told – no surprise – that they communicated with Scott Boras about Juan Soto and others. I can tell you they haven’t met with him. They expect to meet him at some point. “I don’t know when that will be.”

While reports suggest the Phillies are considered a long shot at signing Soto, Philadelphia has spoken to Boras about the 26-year-old, according to Zolecki.

What to know about Juan Soto’s free agency

According to The Athletic, Soto is expected to go through multiple rounds of offers. The first round is intended to “determine the genuine interest of all parties,” the report says.

Accordingly several reportsFive teams – the New York Yankees, Mets, Toronto Blue Jays, Boston Red Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers – have made offers to Soto.

The Associated Press reported that Boras asked teams to submit their initial offers by Thanksgiving. A Decision could come before or during the Dallas Winter Baseball Meetings, December 8-12.

Soto is reportedly seeking a record free agent contract, suggesting he will end up with the team that offers him the most money.

What to make of the latest Phillies report?

Phillies fans have gotten used to managing partner John Middleton opening his checkbook to big-name free agents since the club signed Bryce Harper and Zack Wheeler in 2019.

While Soto has ties to several Phillies – Harper, Trea Turner and hitting coach Kevin Long, to name a few – and would significantly improve their lineup, it doesn’t look like the offseason will end with the bat in Philadelphia.

Earlier this month, Middleton said at the Wharton Sports Business Summit that he was “afraid that Juan Soto wants to be in New York, and I don’t mind being a stalking horse,” according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Still, the Phillies can’t be left out of the Soto sweepstakes because baseball president Dave Dombrowski is known for his aggressiveness and Middleton is willing to spend money.

The Phils are looking for an upgrade in the outfield and Soto fits the bill. But they reportedly want to add at least one high-impact reliever and have been linked to Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Garrett Crochet. Further steps could be taken via trades.

Any MLB team would love to add Soto to their roster, and the Phillies are no different. The conclusion from Wednesday’s report from Zolecki is:

Of course, the Phillies will talk to Juan Soto. Of course they are interested. Of course they want to meet him.

But a winter that ends with Soto wearing Phillies pinstripes still seems like a long shot.