When it comes to Juan Soto, Dan Patrick’s stance is clear: no thanks to that eight-figure payday. While Soto is often compared to legends like Ted Williams, Patrick, a longtime sports radio host, isn’t buying the hype. Sure, Soto’s one of the best hitters of his generation, and yes, he’s young, but Patrick argued that handing out a massive, long-term deal to a player whose “greatness” has yet to consistently translate into team success can be a risky gamble. 

The radio host’s argument is rooted in a blend of skepticism and financial caution. He’s not denying Soto’s talent; the 26-year-old is in his prime—but for Patrick, the question isn’t about Soto’s abilities; it’s about the massive commitment that comes with them. And his biggest concern? The kind of contract Soto will command—a $600 million deal, or possibly even more. 

Dan Patrick on Juan Soto’s whopping deal

“I don’t want him,” Patrick declared, continuing, “I am anti-Soto. No, no, not interested. It’s so much money over so many years.” Dan also pointed out how it can hard talking about someone who’s bounced around a few teams already; Soto was traded from Washington to San Diego and then to the Yankees, so, the idea of locking him in for the long haul can be risky. He might be one of the most dangerous hitters in the game, but is Juan Soto the kind of guy who will carry a team on his own?

In Patrick’s eyes, the money could be better spent elsewhere, although he had a different take on Shohei Ohtani. “Ohtani’s special; he’s unique; there’s no one like him,” Dan Patrick said, making the clear distinction of how Ohtani’s unparalleled two-way impact puts him in a different stratosphere altogether. Moreover, Dan’s concerns are not just about the financial aspects of this deal but also about getting what you pay for—when it comes to Juan Soto, he’s not sold that the superstar hitter is worth a $600 million investment yet. 

Shohei Ohtani brings a huge market 

Patrick pointed to Shohei Ohtani as a perfect example of a player who does offer that level of star power, noting that it’s Ohtani’s massive international appeal, particularly in Japan, that drives huge ratings and interest. Juan Soto, on the other hand, doesn’t offer the same level of charisma or market. While his bat is special, Dan Patrick doesn’t see him as someone who captivates fans like Ohtani does.

“If I’m paying you that kind of money, I want you to be a gate attraction. I want you to be a box office star,” Patrick argued, explaining, “Juan Soto’s not a box office star, he’s just a really good baseball player.” For him, the key question is: What market are you tapping into with a player like Soto? So, it’s a matter of value for Dan Patrick, and hence, the idea of investing $600 million in a player who’s “just a really good baseball player” doesn’t quite add up in his mind.

There’s no denying Soto’s talent, but Dan Patrick believes he needs more than talent to justify that kind of payday—someone who transforms the game. And as much as Patrick admires Juan Soto’s skill, he doesn’t see him as that kind of player yet.