An MLB insider used just two words to express the significance of the New York Yankees signing Juan Soto this offseason.
In the coming weeks, it seems fans of the New York Yankees, along with the entire baseball world, will find out where superstar Juan Soto will play for the next decade or more.
The Yankees are widely considered one of the top contenders to land Soto, and it’s no secret that the team’s front office is eager to secure the 26-year-old on a long-term, highly lucrative deal.
In a November 22 article about the teams to monitor in the Soto sweepstakes, ESPN MLB insider Jeff Passan needed just two words to emphasize how much the Yankees want Soto back: “The Yankees’ desire to retain him is most acute.”
Passan continued, “They know what life is like with him in the lineup, and the prospect of losing that — and the fallout from the Yankees being outbid for a future Hall of Famer — should make it clear why keeping him is the foremost priority.”
Jeff Passan on the Yankees pursuit of Juan Soto:
“But for all of the sense it makes for the New York Mets and Toronto Blue Jays and Boston Red Sox and others to add Soto, the Yankees desire to retain him is most acute. They know what life is like with him in the lineup, and the… pic.twitter.com/DHV5k1Hjk1
— Joe Randazzo 📚📕📖 (@LibrarianJoe_) November 22, 2024
Earlier in the article, Passan noted that the Yankees “have two potential paths [this offseason]. Each can be fruitful.”
He explained, “The first is obvious: re-sign Soto to the largest deal in franchise history, and, perhaps, MLB history,” adding, “The second is not as straightforward: If Soto goes elsewhere, sign a panoply of players in hopes they can match — or exceed — his production. The options are bountiful.”
Passan then offered an example of potential moves: “For example, they could sign Willy Adames to play third base, move Jazz Chisholm Jr. to center field, let Aaron Judge take Soto’s spot in right, sign Christian Walker or Pete Alonso to play first base, and add Blake Snell to the rotation — all for less than re-signing Soto will cost.”
He concluded, “As long as owner Hal Steinbrenner is willing to pony up, the 2025 Yankees can be every bit as good, if not better than, their pennant-winning 2024 selves.”
Clearly, a lot is riding on the Yankees’ decisions this offseason.
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Juan Soto’s Free Agency Decision Leaves Yankees Concerned as Mets Express Interest
Juan Soto, a four-time MLB All-Star and 2019 World Series champion, will take his time evaluating free agency before deciding on his next contract.
Soto, who has previously been a free agent, signed with the Washington Nationals, made his MLB debut in 2018, and finished as the Rookie of the Year runner-up. Now, with his current contract ending, Soto and his agent, Scott Boras, are looking to replicate that success.
Boras explained that the decision will be a personal one for Soto, emphasizing that he wants to meet with potential teams in person before making any decisions. “Due to the volume of interest and Juan’s desire to hear [from other teams], I can’t put a timeframe on it, but it’s going to be a very thorough process for him,” Boras told ESPN. “He wants to meet people personally. He wants to talk with them. He wants to hear from them.”
Soto has earned a reputation as a fan favorite thanks to his exceptional skills as a left fielder, right fielder, and batter. Even when he returned to Nationals Park as a member of the Padres, he received a standing ovation. This past season with the New York Yankees, Soto played a key role in their World Series run, hitting 41 home runs.
“Owners want to meet with Juan and sit down and talk with him about what they’re going to provide for their franchise short term and long term,” Boras added.
While the Yankees remain interested in re-signing him, they face stiff competition, with the New York Mets emerging as a strong contender. Reports from The Mirror last week suggested that the Mets are planning to meet with Soto. Other teams, including the San Francisco Giants and Toronto Blue Jays, could also pursue the outfielder, according to ESPN.
Boras noted that the interest in Soto is likely just beginning, stating that any serious franchise will want a “great magician” like him, particularly given his proven ability to perform in the playoffs.
