The New York Yankees need to prioritize Juan Soto’s contract extension due to the overall player and performance at hand.
The Yankees Must Prioritize Juan Soto’s Extension
We’re almost two full months through the Major League Baseball season, and pennant vibes are flowing through the air in the Bronx, New York. The team is on fire, and all the pistons are firing in symphony to secure victory. A key portion of the Yankee engine is Juan Soto.
Hal Steinbrenner Weighs In On The Yankees Current Payroll
As the urge for a long-term Soto commitment settles in Yankee land, Hal Steinbrenner is causing anxiety with the topic of money and the word “unsustainable”. The Yankees have surpassed the $300 million mark in payroll while possibly looking at a minimum of $500 million for a Soto signature.
Steinbrenner’s stance on the current Yankees’ financial situation doesn’t define the feasibility of signing Juan Soto, as they’ve stated they can afford him. The real concern is the vacancies they need to account for in free agency.
The Yankees have a Christmas list of players facing arbitration and free agency; these spots will also need to be prioritized. The cumulative number is between $35-$50 million which would be the minimum to restore the talent.
Steinbrenner advises that such a payroll isn’t needed to win a championship and that the funds are distributed between veterans, young talent, and the player development system.
Soto’s Performance
Soto has been the right fit for the Yankees so far. Of all the free agent talks and transactions, this one is paying with interest.
To date, Soto leads five Major League statistical categories in the league. He has the most hits, highest on-base percentage, most games played, most total bases, and most plate appearances.
He’s recorded 67 hits, 15 home runs, 46 RBIs, 125 total bases, and slashes a .312/.408/.581. Ranked as a top five hitter in the league. As well as scoring 40 times and driven in 46 runs; that’s 86 runs of involvement for Soto, out of the 269 runs scored by the Yankees.
The Metrics And Statistics
You don’t exactly need stats and metrics to see how and why Soto is so successful. We’ve seen this player profile for years, and we’re now exposed to a more emphasized version of it.
That being said, Statcast has Soto ranked second of 263 hitters in the Major Leagues in their exit velocity and barrels leaderboard. He’s maxed his distance of 473 feet and has hit 88 pitches clocked 95 mph and above.
His max exit velocity of 115.7 with an average of 95.3 mph. His raw power is consistent and he looks as confident as ever hitting in Yankee Stadium. Soto’s numbers are so far better than last year and he’s projected to keep up a substantial performance offensively for years to come.
If The Yankees Don’t Lock Up Soto, Someone Else Will
Soto’s stock is high right now and the demand is out the roof. There were various hitters on the market this past offseason. However, Soto is the name making the most noise and contributing to a winning club.
The Yankees would regret losing the slugger-outfielder, especially to offensive-thirsty teams in the American League East.
Main Photo Credits: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
