Juan Soto feels right at home with the Yankees, enjoying the fervent fan support, embracing the vibrant culture of New York City, and benefiting from batting alongside Aaron Judge in a powerful lineup.
As he approaches his first opportunity as a free agent this autumn, Soto may have to decide whether to extend his stay with the Yankees. However, negotiations for a long-term contract could start sooner than expected, as Soto mentioned he is open to discussing such matters during the season if the Yankees wish to engage his agent, Scott Boras.
Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner expressed his desire to secure Soto’s presence for the long haul, acknowledging the unique talent the 25-year-old brings to the team. While Steinbrenner usually prefers not to negotiate contracts mid-season to avoid distractions, he noted that Soto’s situation might warrant exceptions.
Soto’s performance on the field has been impressive, boasting a batting average of .302 with nine home runs, 34 RBIs, and an OPS of .920 across 45 games. After being traded from San Diego to New York in December, he signed a one-year contract worth $31 million to sidestep salary arbitration.
When asked about Steinbrenner’s remarks following the Yankees’ sweep of the Minnesota Twins, Soto expressed his willingness to discuss a new contract before the fall, emphasizing his focus on playing well and contributing to the team’s success.
Soto declined a lucrative 15-year, $440 million offer from the Washington Nationals in 2022, believing he could secure a better deal as a free agent after the 2024 season. He was later traded to the Padres by the Nationals.
Steinbrenner mentioned in his interview with YES that he wants Soto to feel comfortable before engaging in contract discussions with his representatives, emphasizing the importance of focusing on the current season and aiming for a championship.
Soto acknowledged Steinbrenner’s approach and expressed gratitude for having Judge, the 2022 American League MVP, batting behind him.
In the recent series against the Twins, the Yankees dominated, outscoring them 14-1 and outhitting them 35-14. Judge performed exceptionally well, boosting his on-base-plus-slugging percentage significantly. Conversely, Soto faced some challenges, with fewer hits and more strikeouts during the series.
