The Philadelphia Phillies Gave Juan Soto A Ride Home From The All-Star Game
The Philadelphia Phillies take care of their players, and Juan Soto now knows that. We have John Middleton to thank for that, who is one of the better owners in a baseball landscape that has some bad ones. When a free agent is being courted, it’s private flights, in person conversations, and no expenses spared. And those are the guys that aren’t even on the team yet. So, when Nick Castellanos and Craig Kimbrel were selected for the 2023 All-Star Game, of course the Phillies took care of their travel arrangements. Unfortunately for Soto, the Padres don’t seem to have been as kind. When The Midsummer Classic ended, the All-Star Outfielder was left with his thumb out on the side of the road, trying to hitchhike a ride home.
Well, the Phillies weren’t going to San Diego, but the Padres play the Phillies in Philadelphia starting on Friday night. It made it very convenient, then, for the Phillies to tell Juan Soto to just hop on a flight with Castellanos and Kimbrel and hang out in Philly for a couple of days ahead of the upcoming series between the two teams. It was a very kind move. But it’s hard to believe the Phillies did it just out of the kindness of their hearts. There was absolutely an ulterior motive here, and I don’t blame The Fightins for one second for trying to take advantage of an interesting situation.
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You see, you might not know this about Juan Soto, but the guy is one heck of a baseball player. The 24-year-old is already regarded as one of the best hitters in baseball, and the Phillies would love to have him as part of their organization. Soto, who is currently under contract with the Padres, is eligible to become a free agent following the 2024 season, and the Phillies would love to be on the short list of teams the star would consider. Now, there’s a chance he ends up re-signing with San Diego, but on top of them leaving him stranded in Seattle, they’re also a team that has struggled significantly this season. Oh, and I remember something about the Padres losing to the Phillies in the postseason last year. Maybe I’m misremembering. (That’s what’s in!).
KUSI News has invited the Padres Superfans back on our air so they can reverse the curse that started after they performed the infamous "That's What's In" rap last October.
— KUSI News (@KUSINews) July 1, 2023
They have not yet accepted our invitation. pic.twitter.com/zDUNQB1KBc
Now apparently this isn’t as out of the norm as it might seem. Teams do give rides to other teams’ players from time to time. It’s just part of the fraternity of baseball. But you would be naïve to think the Padres would be giving Dylan Covey a ride if he found himself stranded in Southern California. I’m sure that this was meant to be a helping hand to Soto by the Phillies organization. But there’s no doubt to me that the opportunity to schmooze with a high-profile future free agent played into the decision. Smart move, Mr. Middleton.