Juan Soto, the New York Yankees superstar slugger, is on the cusp of his second World Series appearance as his team takes on the LA Dodgers on Saturday in a seven-game series. However, for Soto particularly, the stakes will be the highest given his looming free agency.
The 25-year-old generational star is entering free agency in 2025 and is slated to bag a record-breaking contract, potentially making him the richest MLB star. However, while the New York Yankees are vying for an extension, captain Aaron Judge put the ball in Soto’s court by backing him to make the right choice.
Aaron Judge Spills Beans On Juan Soto’s Free Agency
As the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers gear up for Game 1 of the 2024 World Series, Yankees captain Aaron Judge is keeping a close eye on teammate Juan Soto, whose performance this season has electrified fans and fueled the Yankees’ playoff run. Yet, this World Series could be their last together. Soto, who has had a breakout year in New York, is set to enter free agency this winter and could command one of the largest contracts in MLB history, possibly only second to Shohei Ohtani’s groundbreaking $700 million deal. Soto’s impact in New York has been undeniable. Setting career highs with 41 home runs and 128 runs scored, he solidified his place as a game-changer in the postseason.
While the excitement and support from teammates are palpable, the financial reality may pose a challenge for the franchise to seek an extension. For instance, Yankees’ owner Hal Steinbrenner has expressed reservations about ballooning payrolls. Meanwhile, Aaron Judge, who faced a similar free agency decision in 2022, empathizes with Soto’s conundrum. In Judge’s case, after setting the home run record, he accepted a nine-year, $360 million offer from the Yankees, turning down a more lucrative offer from the Padres. For Judge, the decision was about loyalty and legacy in pinstripes, a factor he hints could weigh on Soto’s mind as well. “When the time comes, when this is all over, he’ll make the right decision,” Judge said. Ultimately, with an abundance of suitors likely vying for Soto, the Bronx Bombers will need to decide if they’re willing to increase their financial commitment to keep him.
Juan Soto Reflects On His Yankees Legacy
Juan Soto’s 2024 season with the New York Yankees has been nothing short of extraordinary, and his presence has been crucial in propelling the team to the World Series. His three-run clutch homer in Game 5 of the ALCS further cemented Soto’s legacy in pinstripes. However, he believes there’s still one thing left to accomplish: winning a World Series.
As the Yankees prepare for Game 1 against the Dodgers, Juan Soto reflected on the impact a World Series title. “You can be the best player, but at the end of the day, people remember you if you win a World Series,” he said. Hence, for Juan For Soto, a World Series ring would define his time in New York and leave an indelible mark on Yankees history.
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