Back in February, when outfielder Juan Soto was first asked about his impending free agency following the 2024 season, he made it abundantly clear that “I’m here to play baseball. I’m focusing on playing this year and trying to win as much as we can and bring a championship to New York.”
Almost eight months to the day later, Soto would hit a three-run home run in Game 5 of the ALCS that would lift the Yankees to their first American League pennant since 2009. Soto’s tenure in New York has been everything that the Yankees and their fans hoped it would be and much more. As a result, fans and even his teammates have made it clear that they desperately want the 26-year-old phenom to stay in the Bronx for years to come.
But as magical as his first season in pinstripes has been, Soto’s future with the Yankees remains up in the air. Throughout the entire season, Soto has made very few remarks regarding his free-agent status, which some have interpreted to mean that the young superstar intends to, at the very least, test out the market. However, now that the Yankees are the American League champions and are aiming to win their 28th World Series title, Soto’s offseason intentions maybe even more unclear than they were before.
How Juan Soto’s World Series Appearance Shapes the Offseason
Already one of the league’s best players at age 25, Soto is perhaps one of the most coveted free agents in recent memory. No team wouldn’t welcome his services, and he surely knows that. As such, it’s likely to be an all-out bidding war between a handful of franchises.
However, not every team will be able to (nor want to) shell out potentially $600 million, regardless of who it is. Right now, it appears that the top two teams in the sweepstakes will be the Yankees and their cross-town rivals, the New York Mets. But this doesn’t mean that other teams won’t try to get in on the action: the Boston Red Sox, Philadelphia Phillies, and even the Cleveland Guardians have all been in the conversation for Soto’s services.
The question is, which of these teams are going to meet Soto’s demands? He is likely going to sign with a team that has a bright and competitive future and will also fill his pockets long-term. But another important factor for Soto is the spotlight: it’s obvious how much he loves the attention and lights of New York, and he’s going to want that attention for a long time.
Why the Yankees’ Chances Have Increased
While the Yankees were already the frontrunners in the Juan Soto sweepstakes, their successful postseason run in 2024 has improved their chances of keeping the right fielder. It’s become increasingly clear how well the Soto-Yankees relationship works: the Yankees are a storied franchise, always competitive, with a history of rewarding their star players with substantial contracts. Now that they have demonstrated their ability to win in the postseason, Soto may be more inclined to continue building on this success.
As appealing as the situation may seem, there is one significant issue: money. While the Yankees certainly have the capability to spend a substantial amount to retain Soto, it’s uncertain whether they are willing to do so. Earlier this season, owner Hal Steinbrenner acknowledged that New York’s payroll was becoming “too high” and indicated that budget cuts would likely be necessary in the offseason. However, this statement came before Soto solidified his status as a legend during his first season with the team.
Additionally, the Yankees have several players, such as Clay Holmes, Gleyber Torres, and Alex Verdugo, whose contracts will be expiring, allowing for more financial flexibility. If the Yankees win the World Series, though, Steinbrenner may find himself compelled to meet Soto’s financial demands to avoid facing scrutiny from the entire Bronx community.
The Likely Scenario for Soto
Reaching the World Series has certainly improved the Yankees’ chances of re-signing Soto. However, several teams, particularly the New York Mets, could easily entice him with a significant financial offer. If another team offers more than the Yankees can afford, Soto might decide to leave. Regardless, the impact he has made on the franchise in just one season is undeniable. If Soto ultimately chooses to leave the Yankees, he may accomplish his primary goal from the start: bringing a championship to New York.
Main Photo: © Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
