He yankees I knew they only had one guaranteed season with juan soto when they acquired him in a trade this offseason, and it was worth it in many ways for both parties.
New York returned to the World Series for the first time in 15 years and Soto had arguably his best offensive season. He is in favor with the city and the team, but at only 26 years old, the outfielder will lead one of the most important free agencies in MLB history.
Speaking after Yankees Game 5 loss to Dodgers At the 2024 World Series, Soto was asked if Wednesday would be his last game in pinstripes.
“You don’t know. In the end we will see where we are,” he said. “It’s a difficult game to be the last one. “I’m happy with what we accomplished as a team and we wanted to be one of the last teams standing, but we’ll see where we are (in free agency).”
Soto went 1 for 2 with three walks in the decisive Game 5, capping a great postseason in his first year in the Bronx. In 14 games this October, Soto hit .327 with four home runs and nine RBIs.
He made some memorable moments, especially his series-clinching home run in the ALCS with the Yankees, but as expected, he’s not showing his cards about where he wants to sign this offseason.
Soto said he was happy in his time in the city and with the 2024 Yankees, but that he and his agent Scott Boras are going to “analyze every situation and offer we receive.”
The deal aspect could be more than $600 million, but that depends on the teams bidding for his services. And when it comes to teams, Soto is open to listening to all of them.
“I don’t have any closed doors,” Soto said. “I will be available for all 30 teams.”
He later added: “Every team has the same opportunity when I go to free agency. “I won’t say either team has an advantage.”
But will it be difficult to leave this Yankees team after reaching the World Series?
“Leaving any place where there is a winning team is always difficult,” Soto responded. “This team was really special and has been wonderful for me. I have been really happy. Whether I’m here or not, I’ll be happy for the teammates I met. This is a really special group.
“They just wished me the best of luck and made sure I did what was best for me and my family. These guys were special and I’m so happy to play with them.”
That includes Aaron judge who together with Soto formed one of the best duos in the history of baseball. Batting opposite Judge allowed Soto to hit .288/.419/.988 with a career-high 41 home runs.
“I’m happy with what we did as a duo and teammates this year. “He’s incredible,” Soto said of Judge. “On the field, in the clubhouse, how he handles himself. I was very happy and learned many things from him. “I’m going to take that to the next step.”
“He brought us a lot of joy. I think we brought a lot of joy to him, too,” Judge said of his teammate. “We were lucky to have him for this year.”
“Just an absolute privilege. “A great player… he was a good person to us,” the coach said. Aaron Boone de Soto said. “He was so easy to handle. Someone for whom I have a lot of admiration and respect. I hope he’s here forever, but I’m excited for him and what the next few months will be like for him. From my point of view, I couldn’t ask for anything better.”
Although Soto said he will talk to all 30 teams, he does have a criteria for his next stop and it is something the baseball world saw when Shohei Ohtani He became a free agent last year.
“Everyone wants to be on a winning team. That is one of the most important things one should consider,” Soto said. “Even if you don’t end up being the last team standing, you want to be involved in all of this, that’s one of the biggest things I’m looking for.”
He start of MLB free agency begins five days after the World Series concludes. So the Juan Soto draw will officially begin early next week.