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MLB Rumors: Jim Bowden Explains How the Phillies Could Afford Juan Soto

Posted on by L. Dreeye
MLB Rumors: Jim Bowden Explains How the Phillies Could Afford Juan Soto

Former baseball executive Jim Bowden, speaking on MLB Network Radio Sunday, said the Phillies have the financial flexibility to sign Juan Soto to his expected mega-deal.

“They have money,” Bowden said. “Why? Because JT Realmuto and Kyle Schwarber’s $38 million comes off after ’25. Castellanos’ $20 million is taken off the books in ’26. Fine? That’s $58 million, that’s it!

“So, if I do a 15-year deal, if I do a Bryce Harper-type deal — which today (would be) probably 15 (years), $600 million — okay, I can do it. I can show my owner how I am not increasing wages. I’m just going to bring the load back a little bit for the first couple of years, I’m going to show them that path, in that balance sheet, I’m going to show them how it absolutely fits. “

© Eric Hartline | 2023 Apr 10

According to Bowden, not only do the Phillies have money, but Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski wants to get into star hunting:

“Let me tell you this about Dave Dombrowski… How does he build teams? Only with the stars. If he played fantasy, all his teams would be stars and scrubs. stars, and he forces the owners to pay money.

“In Detroit, it’s Justin Verlander. In Boston, it’s Chris Sale. That’s what he does… And what is (Phyllis’) biggest need? Hm. Left-handed hitting outfielder.”

Now that we’re all excited, let’s add some cold water to this.

First, Bowden negotiated the finances a little fast and loose. While the Phillies certainly have payroll that will run through the 2026 and 2027 seasons, they will have to pay Soto in 2025 as well. Every team has financial flexibility if you look far enough into the future.

Bowden says the Phillies could opt out of the contract. But with big-money contenders like the Yankees, Mets and Dodgers among them, one team is likely to offer Soto a deal that would start with huge upfront payments. When you’re in the $600-$700 million range, the time value of money is critical to the deal.

Second, while Dombrowski’s reputation as a star-hunter is well known, the Phillies organization has repeatedly stated that they have already found their stars. Bryce Harper and Trea Turner have practically lifetime contracts. The club also recently completed major deals with Aaron Nola and Zack Wheeler. Heading into the 2024 season, with essentially the same roster, the Phillies seemed content to shop on the fringes of the free agent market.

But.

John Middleton recently said that the Phillies would be willing to give up their salary above the third luxury tax threshold to “the right player.” And Juan Soto is certainly the right player by any measure. The Phils will be part of Soto to some extent.

This is enough to let fans dream.

MLB free agency begins Monday at 5:00 pm ET.