The Giants never emerged as true contenders to sign superstar outfielder Juan Soto after missing out on Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani in recent years. And even if they were in the mix, it’s difficult to envision a scenario where they outbid Steve Cohen.
A day after the Giants agreed with shortstop Willy Adames on a franchise-record $182 million pact, Soto and the New York Mets have reportedly agreed to a 15-year, $765 million contract, the largest deal in professional sports history. Soto’s deal includes no deferred money, escalators that can exceed $800 million and an opt-out after five seasons, according to reports.
For all the pomp and circumstance surrounding Soto, more relevant to San Francisco is outfielder Michael Conforto reportedly agreeing to a one-year, $17 million deal with the Dodgers and joining former Giant Blake Snell in Los Angeles.
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With the Giants’ outfield already set, Conforto’s services weren’t necessarily in high demand.
Heliot Ramos, fresh off earning his first All-Star selection, will play left field. Jung Hoo Lee stands to patrol center field after his first season in San Francisco was cut short due to a shoulder injury. Mike Yastrzemski will assume right field after agreeing to one-year deal to avoid arbitration.
Over two seasons with San Francisco, Conforto had a .238 batting average and .740 OPS with 35 home runs and 124 RBIs.
