The Philadelphia Phillies are preparing for a potential bid to land superstar free agent Juan Soto this offseason, but they are also weighing alternative options if Soto’s price tag becomes too steep.
At just 25 years old, Soto is coming off a stellar season and could command a record-breaking contract exceeding Shohei Ohtani’s $700 million deal. While the Phillies need an outfield upgrade, their president of baseball operations, Dave Dombrowski, appears cautious about adding more high-profile stars, suggesting that the team already boasts a strong core of talent.
Philadelphia faces stiff competition from teams like the Yankees and Mets for Soto’s signature, which means they may need to shift focus to other options. Among their backup plans are Tyler O’Neill, Anthony Santander, and Luis Robert Jr. O’Neill, a right-handed slugger, thrived against left-handed pitchers this past season with Boston and could add power to the Phillies’ lineup.
Meanwhile, Santander, fresh off a career-best campaign with the Orioles, offers home-run potential but would create defensive challenges alongside Nick Castellanos.
The most intriguing option might be trading for Robert Jr. from the Chicago White Sox. Though he struggled with injuries in 2024, Robert offers a blend of power, defense, and athleticism. His team-friendly contract with club options through 2027 makes him an attractive target for a Phillies team aiming to stay competitive without overspending.
With their outfield depth still a major concern, the Phillies will need to explore every avenue to bolster their roster, even if Soto ultimately lands elsewhere.
