The Los Angeles Dodgers clinched the 2024 World Series title against the New York Yankees in five games, rallying from a five-run deficit in the final game. This sent shockwaves through the Yankees’ camp, prompting sports analyst Derek Jeter to remark that Los Angeles had outplayed New York in every manner. The Dodgers’ supremacy was particularly evident during New York’s defensive errors in the fifth inning of the deciding game. However, speculations are rife that the Dodgers could further inflict pain on the Yankees by signing free agent Juan Soto, a move supported by sports commentator Colin Cowherd.
Cowherd argues that adding Soto, alongside players like Freeman, Betts, and Kershaw, would transform the Dodgers into a super team akin to an “ultimate villain”. The Dodgers already lead baseball in home and road attendance, but the addition of another superstar would create a sense of urgency and excitement surrounding the team. Cowherd likens this move to Kevin Durant’s signing with the Golden State Warriors in the NBA, claiming that it would provide a unique and captivating experience for baseball fans much like Durant did for basketball enthusiasts.
The crux of Cowherd’s argument lies in his belief that the best way for Major League Baseball (MLB) to reignite its popularity is to have a dominant and formidable team, just like the NBA and NFL have had. He points to teams like the Michael Jordan-led Chicago Bulls, the Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal-led Los Angeles Lakers, and the New England Patriots and Kansas City Chiefs in the NFL, as examples of how powerhouse teams help enhance the appeal of the sport. MLB has not seen a team clinch back-to-back World Series titles since the Yankees in 2000.
While discussing dynastic teams, Cowherd dismisses notions that such teams lead to an imbalance in the sport. Instead, he argues that the dominance of teams such as Tom Brady’s Patriots and Patrick Mahomes’ Chiefs has actually boosted the NFL’s popularity. In Cowherd’s view, a team like the Dodgers—with strong fan-base, momentum, and an already solid roster—requires a player like Soto to become the next MLB dynasty. Cowherd acknowledges that adding Soto would mean having to let go of another player but maintains that even this sort of upheaval presents an exciting aspect of the game.
Historically, the Yankees have dominated the MLB, enjoying periods of unrivaled success from the 1920s to the late 1970s, and then again in the late 1990s and early 2000s. In this time, they have won 27 World Series titles, more than any other team. If the team were able to retain Soto, this would significantly increase their chances of returning to these glory days. Having arrived from the San Diego Padres last winter, Soto has had a fantastic first season with the Yankees and fans have been vocal about their desire for him to stay. He finished the season with impressive stats and was instrumental in the Yankees’ playoff run.
However, post-Game 5 of the World Series, Soto hinted at his impending departure by speaking about the Yankees in the past tense. Furthermore, he stated that he would be available to all teams as a free agent, stirring rumors of a move to Dodge City. As the Dodgers have shown reported interest in Soto, Cowherd insists that the player’s signing could pave the way for a new dynasty.
