2 reasons the Mets will sign Juan Soto next winter, 2 reasons they won't

Shohei Ohtani's contract structure will have a domino effect on the race for Soto

From the moment the Los Angeles Dodgers signed Shohei Ohtani for a record $700 million for ten years, it seemed to indicate that the Dodgers had reached the point they wanted and could. A contract of the magnitude of Ohtani's, although deserved, would put any organization, including the Dodgers, in serious trouble to obtain other top moving forward players.

However, the news of Ohtani's contract being structured with an absurd amount of deferred money ($680 million) gives the Dodgers enormous flexibility to continue acquiring relevant players this season and in future seasons. Additionally, the Dodgers' outfield (with Mookie Betts at second base), composed of Chris Taylor, James Outman, and Jason Heyward indicates that, despite having outfield prospects in their farm system, Soto would be a good fit for a team with enough money available.

Unlike the Mets or the Yankees, the Dodgers have prepared their finances for these moments for years, and Ohtani has only helped them more. To convince Scott Boras, you need money, and to convince Soto, you need a good city and a good team, and the Dodgers have plenty of all three qualities.

Steve Cohen must prepare his wallet to be able to win the fight against the Dodgers, who have an eye-catching and championship roster where any player would like to be. Ohtani has made it easier for the Dodgers to be a stronger contender for Soto's services next offseason.