LOS ANGELES — Influential sports agent Scott Boras sits in a prime seat at Dodger Stadium, watching his client – soon to be among the richest athletes globally – and reflects on how the course of history could have changed dramatically.

If it weren’t for current events, Boras wouldn’t be seeing Freddie Freeman hit a grand slam in Game 1 or witnessing Yoshinobu Yamamoto excel in Game 2, helping the Los Angeles Dodgers maintain a 2-0 advantage over the New York Yankees in the World Series.

He wouldn’t be observing the Yankees as they strive for their first World Series victory since 2009, marking an end to their longest drought in three decades.

Boras contends that he would still be seeing All-Star right fielder Juan Soto playing in the World Series – but he would be donned in a San Diego Padres jersey.

“If (Padres owner) Peter Seidler were still with us,” Boras mentioned to YSL News Sports, “none of this would be occurring. Juan would be with the Padres. He would never have been traded to the Yankees.

“He would still be a Padre.”

And likely for the duration of his career.

“Peter and I were heavily engaged in discussions about Juan Soto’s (contract),” Boras shared. “We were quite advanced. His health situation really halted our negotiations because we anticipated the organization would change. He was eager to get it finalized, despite his condition.”

The contract agreement was never completed.

Seidler passed away from cancer on November 14, 2023.

“I received a text from him just four days before his passing,” Boras revealed. “‘Be back online really soon.’ ”

Then, just three weeks later, Soto was traded to the Yankees.

“This wouldn’t have transpired if Peter was alive,” Boras stated. “Given where we stood, Peter would have finalized the deal. We were extremely close. Peter was fearless.”

Boras insisted that Seidler would never have allowed Soto to be traded to the Yankees or anywhere else.

“Peter was absolutely not trading Juan Soto,” Boras emphasized. “Not a chance. He consistently expressed, ‘I traded for a franchise player. I’m not letting him go.’ He was astonished that the Nationals traded Soto. He adored Juan.”

If the Padres had retained Soto, the Yankees would not be benefiting from his impressive season.

Should the Padres have retained Soto, he likely wouldn’t have emerged as one of the most remarkable young talents to enter the free-agent market in baseball history – achieving an 8.1 WAR this season and at least a 6.0 WAR in three of the past four seasons.

“In my perspective, there is an elite WAR, and then every other player,” Boras stated. “An elite player garners an evaluation that is extraordinarily high because he attracts market interest, brings in fans, and generates broadcasting revenue which contributes to his valuation alongside his on-field performance.”

Soto, now 26 years old, could soon become the highest-paid player ever, with a potential contract surpassing $500 million, which would exceed the current worth of Shohei Ohtani’s contract with the Dodgers. While Ohtani signed a 10-year, $700 million contract, $680 million is deferred without interest over a decade, rendering its present-day value about $460 million, as per MLB calculations.

“The narrative of how he reached free agency is extraordinary,” Boras remarked. “A young Dominican who faced numerous challenges to reach free agency. It serves as a testimony to his acumen, turning down offers of $100 million, $200 million, $300 million, and $400 million.”

Soto was ultimately presented with a 15-year, $440 million contract by the Washington Nationals in 2022, after declining three previous offers, making him the highest-paid player in history at that moment.

Soto firmly rejected the offer without making a counter. The Nationals, worried that Soto intended to explore the free agent market in 2 ½ years, traded him to the San Diego Padres in July 2022.

Soto played a pivotal role in leading the Padres to the National League Championship Series, where they lost in six games to the Philadelphia Phillies. This only fueled Seidler’s desire to fabricate a powerhouse capable of competing with the Dodgers in the NL West. They later engaged in a spending spree, signing shortstop Xander Bogaerts, extending Manny Machado’s contract to $350 million, and even offering Aaron Judge over $400 million.

The Padres underperformed dramatically, failing to reach the postseason with an 82-80 record and allowing manager Bob Melvin to leave for San Francisco.

After losing more than $200 million in 2023, the Padres quickly began reducing their payroll by $90 million and, to ensure they stayed below luxury tax thresholds, started openly shopping Soto before trading him in a significant seven-player deal.

Soto, forming one of the most formidable 1-2 offensive duos in history with Judge, has led the Yankees to their first American League pennant since 2009, following a season where they didn’t make the playoffs.

Soto, who just celebrated his 26th birthday on Friday, has hit four home runs this postseason and has excelled in three of the Yankees’ last four games, including a crucial three-run homer in the 10th inning during the Yankees’ ALCS-clinching victory over Cleveland. He is batting .350 (14-for-40) with a 1.160 OPS through the Yankees’ 11 playoff games.

“You can be the best player and achieve great things,” Soto remarked. “But ultimately, people will remember you for winning a World Series and your contributions to that team.”

The Yankees have openly expressed their wish for his return. Meanwhile, the crosstown Mets, backed by the wealthiest owner in baseball, Steve Cohen, could be making a move. The Philadelphia Phillies are anticipated to make a strong effort to sign him to play alongside Bryce Harper, who is represented by Scott Boras. Additionally, the Toronto Blue Jays and the San Francisco Giants, who missed out on Shohei Ohtani last winter, will now focus their attention on Soto.

Soto’s market value has risen to such heights that Boras might skip the usual customized presentation he creates to showcase a player’s worth to teams.

“He has more exceptional years to give,” Boras stated, “and he has potential that exceeds what he has already accomplished.”

No one knows what the final asking price will be, but if Soto lands a 15-year deal filled with opt-out options, it wouldn’t be a shock. Teams think Soto could merit a record-setting contract.

There’s no need for complex statistics to understand his popularity among Yankees fans. This was clearly shown when fans chanted, “Re-Sign Soto! Re-Sign Soto!” during their clinching win in Cleveland, with Soto celebrating by waving to them from the stands.

“He’s been an outstanding Yankee because he’s a once-in-a-generation player,” said Yankees star Giancarlo Stanton. “He’s phenomenal, plain and simple. The Yankees are the pinnacle of baseball, and he belongs here. No spotlight is too bright for him.

“We want him to remain with us. He’s going to stay.”

While the Yankees might charm him and fans continue to cheer his name throughout the day, it’s the financial aspect that ultimately holds the most weight.

“He’s had an incredible run,” Yankees GM Brian Cashman remarked. “He’s made the most of it. He’s felt at home here, and he’s integrated well.

“He’s earned the opportunity to be a free agent, so all discussions like that will take place [after the World Series].”

Soto has expressed his desire to stay with the Yankees, but there’s no expectation of a hometown discount. Money speaks, and if offers are similar, his choice will depend on whether the team aims to be a consistent contender for the World Series.

“Every player wants to feel content where they are,” Soto shared. “Ultimately, when you win, it brings happiness.

“So, wherever offers the best chance to win a championship will be exciting to play for. That’s the mindset that matters right now.

“Let’s see where that opportunity lies, and go from there.”

For the moment, winning the World Series is the priority.

“It’s not over yet,” Soto affirmed.