The biggest domino of the MLB offseason is Juan Soto, and when it falls, it will have profound effects on the Atlanta Braves.

“The end is near. Teams engaged in a third round of Soto bidding this week, and while no deal is imminent, one could materialize before the winter meetings officially begin Monday,” Jeff Passan writes for ESPN.

The calm before the storm in Dallas. Alex Anthopoulos will travel to the Winter Meetings this weekend, which take place next week, and Atlanta’s offseason should quickly ramp up. Here’s how far Soto’s decision will reach:

The outfield market will shape up

With Jarred Kelenic being relegated to a bench role last season and Ronald Acuna Jr. out for at least six weeks to start next season, the Braves need outfield help, but they’re not going to be involved in the Juan Soto sweepstakes.

Everyone who needs an outfielder who misses out on the top free agent will turn their attention to the other top options — Teoscar Hernández, Anthony Santander, Jurickson Profar and Tyler O’Neill. Even if the Braves are interested in one of those players, there’s no way they’ll sign before Soto inks his deal.

Juan Soto losers will allocate $$$ to starters

“One of the teams stung by not getting Soto will pivot to Burnes and give him the eighth $200 million-plus deal ever for a pitcher,” Passan writes.

The Yankees, Mets, Blue Jays, Red Sox, Dodgers, and Orioles are all considered suitors for both Soto and the top starters on the free agent market in Corbin Burnes and Max Fried.

Allocating as much as $700 million to Soto and losing out will have a cash-in-the-pocket effect, where a person spends money just because they have it. I know that’s an oversimplification, but it’s not a terrible metaphor.

If Soto stays in New York with the Yankees, the other clubs will turn their attention to Fried and Burnes, potentially even overpaying for their services. While the Braves need a starter, the biggest spenders in the sport losing out on the crown jewel spells bad news for Alex Anthopoulos.

Braves fans might as well swallow this pill

Orlando Arcia is going to be Atlanta’s starting shortstop, or at the very least, it’s not going to be Willy Adames. “Adames’ market is beginning to take shape, and once Soto signs, it’s primed to expand even more,” Passan continued.

Because of Adames’ willingness to move off of shortstop, more suitors are being considered. Nearly every club pursuing Soto is also a landing spot for Adames. The Red Sox could move Rafael Devers to first base or DH. The Yankees and Mets could slot him in at third base. The Giants, who aren’t seriously considering Soto, would play Adames at shortstop.

While the Braves aren’t directly tied to Juan Soto, they’re very much indirectly tied. His free agent decision will have a profound impact on every aspect of Atlanta’s offseason.

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Photographer: Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire