Juan Soto has been the most impactful player for the New York Yankees this season. However, it has been only a couple of months in the 2024 regular season. But it has been a way better start than the Bronx Bombers had as compared to the last season. In 2023, the NY side failed to make the postseason for the first time since 2016. It was a very disappointing season for the team as well as the fans. Moreover, the 82-80 record meant the team finished in fourth place in the American League East division. Hence, it was the worst season for the NY side in the last 30 years.
They also had the second-worst batting average in the league. Only the nine-time champions, the Oakland Athletics, were even worse than the Bombers. Coming off after a season like that, the Yankees needed a significant boost to their roster. That’s when the front office managed to land the best hitter in baseball for a year before he entered free agency. Now, Juan Soto looks so comfortable in the Pinstripe uniform. But his agent, Scott Boras, hints at Soto’s future elsewhere.
Will Juan Soto Stay Part Of The Yankees For The Rest Of His Career?
Earlier this month, Hal Steinbrenner told the media that he wishes to keep Juan Soto in the Bronx for the rest of his career. Later, in reply, the Dominican superstar told the media that his doors are always open for any in-season contract extension talk. When Soto says “His door,” he means his agent, Scott Boras. The 2020 NL Batting Champion wants to focus on the present as he just wants to play baseball. On the other hand, Boras will handle all the contract negotiation talks for the Dominican superstar. Lately, Boras hinted at the asking price of Soto will be north of $500 million. But the Yankees owner lately stated that their payroll is “Not sustainable.” However, Boras does not seem to give Hal or Brian Cashman any kind of discount. Lately, Soto’s agent told the media that the three-time All-Star is a “Centurion.”
It means he is one of the top 100 players in baseball of all time. Moreover, Boras said, as per The Athletic’s Chris Kirschner, when someone represents a “Centurion” they don’t need to worry about the cost of them for a team. After all, players, like Juan Soto increases the value of the franchise. Hence, Scott Boras said, “The only cost to worry about is what it takes to build the monument.” Moreover, the agent of Soto says in 40 or 50 years, owners of MLB teams will get such rare opportunities to deal for a “Generational talent.” But once any team signs Juan Soto, they will be worth billions more, says Boras.
How The Dominican Superstar Is Proving In 2024 That He Deserves The Big Bucks?
The play-by-play announcer of the New York Yankees, Michael Kay, said earlier this week that Hal Steinbrenner was not bluffing when he said the payroll is not sustainable. Currently, the Bronx Bombers have a $300 million payroll. On Wednesday, DraftKings Sportsbook said Juan Soto is the favorite, as per their betting odds, to win the AL MVP this year. Currently, Soto has +225 odds. Also, the same outlet said the NY Yankees have the best odds to win the World Series this year.
The Bronx Bombers have +550 odds. Clearly, the addition of Juan Soto has been the biggest change for the team this season. If these odds turn out to be true, then the NY side will be in a real dilemma in order to land the best hitter in baseball. But Scott Boras says that Juan Soto can be comfortable in a lot of places and can thrive away from the Bronx Bombers well into his 30s.
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