Juan Soto Open to Yankees Contract Talks: Future Uncertain
Sportsgrid Staff
Host · Writer
Juan Soto has quickly found his stride with the Yankees, marveling at the passionate fan base, embracing New York’s vibrant culture, and thriving in a potent lineup just ahead of Aaron Judge.
With free agency looming this fall, Soto faces a significant decision. However, he might not even reach the open market. On Thursday, Soto expressed openness to contract discussions during the season if the Yankees approach his agent, Scott Boras, about a long-term deal.
Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner hinted at this possibility during an interview with the team’s YES Network, acknowledging the unique nature of Soto’s talent and situation. “We’d like to see him here for the rest of his career. I don’t think there’s any doubt in that. His agent, Scott, doesn’t tend to do deals in the middle of the season. Neither do I. I think it can be a distraction," Steinbrenner said. “But as I said in spring training, this is a unique situation and a very unique player, so I wouldn’t be shocked if there was a conversation or two had possibly during the course of a season. I think it’s worth doing at some point."
Soto, currently batting .302 with 9 home runs, 34 RBIs, and a .920 OPS in 45 games, signed a $31 million, one-year deal to avoid salary arbitration after being traded from San Diego in December.
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After the Yankees completed a sweep of the Minnesota Twins, Soto addressed Steinbrenner’s comments, emphasizing his willingness to discuss a new deal before the fall. “They know the phone number and everything. They know where to call. For me right here, I’m focusing on playing baseball. My thing is to try to help the team win," Soto said. In 2022, Soto turned down a 15-year, $440 million offer from the Washington Nationals, betting on a better deal in free agency after the 2024 season. The Nationals subsequently traded him to the Padres.
Steinbrenner noted that he wanted to allow Soto to settle in before discussing a contract. “Let’s focus on 2024, most importantly, winning a championship this year," Steinbrenner said.
Soto appreciates the patience, but perhaps not as much as having Aaron Judge, the 2022 American League MVP, batting behind him. In the series against the Twins, the Yankees outscored them 14-1 and outhit them 35-14. Judge’s OPS surged from .860 to .948, going 6-for-7 with a homer, 5 doubles, and 2 walks. Soto, meanwhile, went 2-for-11 with 3 runs, 2 walks, and 5 strikeouts.
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