As we know, David Ortiz does not have his tongue in his pocket. Whether his opinion is solicited or not, he gives it.
And the Juan Soto case was no exception.
According to the Hall of Famer, the new San Diego Padres outfielder should have accepted the $440 million offer presented to him by the Washington Nationals in July 2022.
It would have been the biggest contract in baseball history, surpassing the 12-year, $426 million contract awarded to Mike Trout in 2019.
Anyone who knows this business knows you’re not saying no to it. You were a franchise player. This franchise would have made a name for you if you had signed this contract. What can you do with $500 million that you can’t do with $440 million?
What Soto will do with the extra $60 million in his bank account, if it comes to fruition, is up to him, however Big Grandpa might think.
Soto’s decision was risky and still remains risky given the possibility of injury or a drop in performance, as was the case at the start of the season.
But considering his past performances and the fact that he is only 24 years old, it was not unreasonable for him to think he could get more. In addition, being represented by agent Scott Boras must give him confidence in his future.
As for the point of loyalty and franchise players brought by Ortiz, that is unfortunately a thing of the past, with a few exceptions.
