The New York Yankees are heading into a game changing free agency as they lure Juan Soto into signing a contract extension. The top brass reportedly met Soto and his agent on Monday and had progressive talks. Notably, an offer is yet to be made.
However, the New York Yankees contingent looked optimistic about securing Juan Soto is a long-term deal. A second round of talks is expected to be held in due time. Meanwhile, before the Bronx Bombers approaches Juan Soto, they made two crucial roster moves looking ahead at spring training.
Yankees Add Two Rookies To 40-Man Roster
The New York Yankees have bolstered their 40-man roster by adding infielder Caleb Durbin and catcher Jesus Rodriguez, protecting both players from selection in the 2024 MLB Rule 5 Draft. The announcement, made Tuesday night, reflects the organization’s commitment to nurturing promising young talent. Caleb Durbin, 24, has been making waves in the Yanks’ system and was even mentioned by General Manager Brian Cashman as a potential candidate for the starting second base role in 2025. With the team’s decision to decline Gleyber Torres’ club option, the second base position has become a point of focus, and Durbin’s name has emerged as a viable internal option. In his four minor league seasons, Durbin showcased his all-around skills, hitting .269/.374/.407 with 64 doubles, 22 home runs, 153 RBIs, and 110 stolen bases in 281 games.
Durbin’s standout performance in the Arizona Fall League earned him the “Breakout Prospect of the Year” award and recognition as a “Fall Star. Catcher Jesus Rodriguez, 22, also impressed in 2024, hitting .302/.375/.481 with 15 doubles, 10 home runs, and 47 RBIs in 295 at-bats across High-A and Double-A. Rodriguez’s ability to handle multiple positions, including catcher, third base, and left field, adds a layer of versatility to his value. His plate discipline, with 33 walks in 2024, complements his strong hitting metrics, making him an exciting prospect for the Yankees. Overall, by securing Durbin and Rodriguez, the Yankees have strengthened their depth while demonstrating faith in their young talent. Both players bring unique skills to the organization, and their development will be closely watched as the Yankees prepare for the 2025 season. Durbin, in particular, could play a pivotal role in reshaping the infield, while Rodriguez provides valuable versatility and offensive promise.
Juan Soto’s Age And Versatility Position Him For Historic Contract
Juan Soto is on the brink of setting a new standard in MLB contracts, with projections ranging between $600 million and $700 million. MLB insider Jon Heyman recently highlighted key factors contributing to Soto’s potential record-breaking deal, emphasizing his youth, willingness to play anywhere, and the influence of his high-profile agent, Scott Boras.
Soto’s age plays a significant role in his value. At just 26 years old, he is four years younger than Shohei Ohtani was when he entered free agency. Unlike Ohtani, who preferred staying in Southern California during his free agency negotiations, Soto is reportedly open to playing anywhere. This openness broadens the pool of potential suitors and creates a competitive bidding environment.
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