Good News: Todd Zolecki offers counter report to the Phillies not contacting Scott Boras, says they still intend to meet with Juan Soto

When the MLB offseason kicks off, it’s like stepping into a storm of rumors and speculation, especially for a team like the Philadelphia Phillies.

At first, it’s all excitement—daydreaming about big roster moves for 2025—but that buzz wears off quickly, especially once the Juan Soto sweepstakes take over.

So, here we go again. The latest chatter? The Phillies are back in on Soto. Todd Zolecki broke it down on The Phillies Show, debunking reports that the Phillies were out of the running. While some claimed they hadn’t even reached out to Soto’s agent, Scott Boras, Zolecki confirmed they’ve been in touch and fully intend to meet with Soto this winter.

Honestly, that tracks. Did anyone seriously think the Phillies would sit on the sidelines while teams like the Yankees, Red Sox, and Dodgers threw offers at Soto? Not with Bryce Harper, Trea Turner, and Kyle Schwarber anchoring the roster. The Phillies have a chance to build something ridiculous here, and they know it.

Todd Zolecki: Phillies have contacted Boras, intend to meet with Juan Soto:

according to @ToddZolecki the Phillies have spoken to Scott Boras about Juan Soto. pic.twitter.com/Jti1IobTMv

— Absolutely Hammered (@ah_pod) November 27, 2024

Here’s what Todd Zolecki had to say on the Phillies, Juan Soto Sweepstakes:

“There was a report just a few days ago that the Phillies have not met with Juan Soto yet. They’re going to meet with him at some point, but they haven’t communicated at all with Scott Boras or anybody associated with Boras. I’ve been told—no surprise—that they’ve communicated with Boras about Soto and others. I can tell you that they have not met with him. They expect to meet with him at some point. I do not know when that will be.”

A few days ago, Randy Miller of NJ.com reported that five teams have already put offers on the table for Juan Soto:

• Yankees
• Red Sox
• Mets
• Blue Jays
• Dodgers

Report: Phillies are NOT listed as one of the five teams to make Juan Soto an offer

Notice anyone missing? Yeah, the Phillies aren’t about to let that slide.

They might not be the favorite, or even in the top three, or I guess even five but they’re swinging their shot. Timing, though, is everything—and they’re a little late to the game.

Can they make up ground on teams that have already made offers? I certainly believe so even if John Middleton didn’t exactly inspire confidence in the team’s chances a few weeks ago. Earlier this month, Middleton acknowledged he believes Soto is leaning toward one of the two New York teams.

“I’m afraid Juan Soto wants to be in New York, and I don’t mind being a stalking horse,” Middleton told The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Conor Smith.

“At some point, if Dave and I get that feeling, we’ll probably say ‘You know what, we’re not going to win this’ because we’ve both been the stalking horse before. And if I were an agent, I would do it too. It’s perfectly good strategy. I mean, it’s smart. But at the end of the day, I just think he likes New York.” 

Johnny Mids! The Stalking Horse! That’ll be on a t-shirt with Soto as the horses head if we land him. You have my word.

Then there’s the Dodgers, who just signed Blake Snell to a $182 million deal. Will that slow their pursuit of Soto? Probably not. But, frankly, the Dodgers can kiss my ass. My gut says they’re all-in on Roki Sasaki, and Soto ends up elsewhere. Reports suggest he prefers the East Coast anyway—Philly, New York, or Boston are all options.

For Soto, it’s going to come down to comfort. His contract will likely land somewhere between $550–$600 million, and most East Coast teams can swing that.

The Phillies’ wildcard here is Soto’s relationship with Harper and the rest of the team’s core. That connection might just give them an edge.

Still, I’m keeping my expectations in check. The offseason rumor mill is relentless—there’ll be more reports, tweets about Soto on phantom flights, and social media antics designed to troll fanbases hanging on his every move. It’s exhausting, but that’s the game.

For now, this latest report feels like the most solid one Phillies fans can latch onto. Let’s see what comes next—because with Soto, you never really know.

Join The Chase