As part of a series of our armchair GM pieces, I wanted to dive into a hypothetical, highly unlikely, yet intriguing idea: why the Texas Rangers should pursue one of the game’s best talents, Juan Soto. While it may sound far-fetched, Soto is still in his prime, and securing his talents would push the Rangers to having the best lineup in baseball.
Can you imagine a lineup consisting of Corey Seager, Marcus Semien, Juan Soto, Wyatt Langford and Adolis Garcia? Of course, I’d be counting on a bounce back season for Adolis. That lineup would give opposing pitchers nightmares. We’d have to create a Soto’s corner right beside Corey’s corner. There’s not many Rangers fans that would have a problem with that.
Juan Soto’s 2024 Season: A Game-Changer
At just 26 years old, Juan Soto had one of his best seasons yet with the New York Yankees in 2024. He hit a career-high 41 home runs and helped propel the Yankees into the World Series. His clutch home run to seal the Yankees’ ticket to the Fall Classic speaks about the type of player Soto is—one who shines in high-pressure moments.
His 2024 slash line of .288/.419/.569/.989 with 41 home runs, 109 RBI, and 129 walks make him the perfect mix of a patient, powerful left-handed bat—something the Texas Rangers could use in their lineup.
Why the Rangers Need Soto’s Bat
While the Rangers won the World Series in 2023 without Soto, the lineup faltered at times in 2024. Adding Soto would transform the Rangers’ offense and give them more depth and versatility. His ability to drive in runs, paired with his knack for drawing over 100 walks a season, makes him invaluable. Soto also posted a 7.9 bWAR in 2024, a mark that towers over every outfielder currently on the Rangers’ roster.
For Comparison:
- Adolis García: 0.4 bWAR
- Wyatt Langford: 3.9 bWAR
- Leody Taveras: 0.5 bWAR
- Ezequiel Durán: 0.1 bWAR
- Evan Carter: 0.6 bWAR
Simply put, Soto’s 2024 performance outshines the entire Rangers outfield combined. Pair him with Langford, García, and Carter (assuming he recovers from his back injury), and you have a formidable outfield—possibly the best in baseball.
It’s not all about bWAR, of course. Fans have tons of stats to look at when judging players, and every fan has their own preferences. But players need to pass the eye test as well, and Juan Soto passes at the plate with flying colors.
Look at all of the red on Soto’s Baseball Savant page. It’s a thing of beauty.
As you can see, he’s not the best defender.
The Competition and Financial Cost of Landing Juan Soto
There will definitely be competition for Juan Soto’s services—steep in more ways than one. I think the Yankees will do everything they can to sign him, given his recent impact. The Dodgers will likely be involved, as well as the Mets, and maybe even a reunion with the Nationals. And while there’s often a dark horse team, it’s probably not going to be the Rangers, as much as I’d like it to be.
The major question is: what would it take for the Rangers to land a generational talent like Soto? Soto will receive a qualifying offer from the Yankees, meaning the Rangers would lose a draft pick if they sign him. But that’s just the start.
Offering Juan Soto a contract will require a significant financial commitment, likely the biggest in franchise history. My proposal? The Rangers should offer 12 years at $55 million per year with an opt-out after the fifth year. This would give Soto flexibility to test free agency again at age 30, but also lock him in with the Rangers through some of his prime years. That may not even be enough to get a deal done. Some believe he could command as much as $60 million per year. Jon Heyman with the New York Post just released an article detailing how Soto is looking for $700 million.
Ticket Sales and Merchandise
Signing Juan Soto wouldn’t just be about adding power to the lineup—it would mean a sizeable boost in revenue. Soto is one of the most popular players in baseball, and his presence would almost certainly lead to increased ticket sales. Fans would flock to the ballpark, boosting attendance and, in turn, increasing concession sales. Additionally, Soto’s jerseys and merchandise would be top sellers, providing the Rangers with a new revenue stream.
For a franchise looking to build and sustain long-term fan interest, having a marketable superstar like Soto could cement the Rangers’ position as a must-watch team while financially justifying his high price tag.
Why the Rangers Won’t Do It
Unfortunately, while the idea of Soto in a Rangers uniform is exciting, there are major obstacles.
First, there’s the issue of payroll. According to Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News, Rangers ownership plans to reduce payroll this offseason to avoid the luxury tax penalty. Given Soto’s expected price tag, this would make it highly unlikely for the team to take on such a hefty contract.
There’s also uncertainty surrounding the team’s TV deal. Rangers ownership is reportedly considering starting their own streaming service, but until that’s sorted out, their financial flexibility remains unclear. If the Rangers successfully launch a streaming platform like the Mavericks’ MavsTV, it could potentially open new revenue streams and allow for greater spending in future seasons.
Is It Worth the Risk?
There’s no denying that offering Juan Soto a contract of this magnitude would be a gamble, especially with the financial restrictions the Rangers are facing. But if there’s one player worth going all-in for, it’s Soto. He’s young, durable, and would anchor the middle of the lineup for years to come.
While the 2023 season proved that the Rangers can win without Soto, adding him would give them the type of offensive firepower that could cement their place at the top of the baseball world for the next decade. In my opinion, the risk is worth it.
Do you want the Rangers to sign him? Comment where you think Soto will land and the contract you think he’ll get.
