Juan Soto, who played a pivotal role in sending the New York Yankees to the World Series, has been a crucial addition to the team’s roster since joining in 2024. His three-run homer in the tenth inning of the ALCS Game 6 against the Guardians propelled the team to victory.
However, with free agency looming at the end of the season, speculation about his future is unavoidable. Soto’s contract is expected to be one of the most substantial in MLB history, likely surpassing the record-breaking deals of his peers. However, whether or not he will stay with the Yankees is up to Soto.
Aaron Judge Unlikely To Pressurise Juan Soto In Signing Extension
As the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers prepare to meet in the highly anticipated World Series opener on Friday, all eyes are on Aaron Judge, Juan Soto, and Giancarlo Stanton. The Yanks are banking on the offensive power of Judge, Soto, and Stanton to counter the formidable Dodgers lineup led by Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman. For Soto, the opportunity to contribute to a World Series victory is deeply significant. The 25-year-old expressed that winning on this stage would cement his legacy with the Bombers and etch his name into the franchise’s storied history. However, he has yet to decide if he wants to extend his stay in the Bronx with free agency looming.
Meanwhile, Aaron Judge, who went through his own free-agency experience last year, believes Juan Soto will handle his future decisions wisely. “When the time comes and this is all over, he’ll make the right decision,” Judge said. On the other hand, with the 2024 World Series on the horizon, Soto remains focused on his present role and commitment to his teammates. Whether or not he remains with the Yanks, he’s grateful for the year he’s spent in New York. “This team has been unbelievable,” Soto said. Overall, with Soto’s impending free agency and the pressure of a potential World Series title in the Bronx, his presence is more significant than ever. Known for his strong arm and exceptional batting eye, Soto could be a pivotal figure for the Yanks in this series. But it’s clear that the team will need production from their entire lineup.
Gerrit Cole Would Love For Soto To Stay With Yankees
Gerrit Cole, the Yankees’ ace and a key figure in the clubhouse, kept things respectful when asked about Juan Soto’s pending free agency. “I’ve left him alone in terms of that,” Cole said, clearly wanting to give Soto the space to focus on the task at hand, the World Series. However, Cole didn’t shy away from praising his teammate.
“I think he’s a wonderful player with amazing talent,” Cole added. Indeed, Gerrit Cole’s sentiment underscores the impact Soto has made since joining the Yankees, both on the field and in the clubhouse. Hence, with Soto’s free agency looming, fans and players alike are hopeful he’ll choose to stay in the Bronx long-term.
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