The New York Yankees got their hands on a generational talent in Juan Soto this off-season. In a risky trade, the Bronx Bombers parted with five major leaguers to acquire one year of Soto’s services. While many deemed the trade unreasonable, the Yanks wanted to take a shot at the championship this year.
Having said that, Juan Soto will become an unrestricted free agent before the end of the year. While he is expected to have a blast in the pinstripes, the future beyond that remains undecided. Amid speculations of a potential extension, the Yankees GM dropped a truth bomb on his expectations, which might come as a discouraging sign to fans.
Brian Cashman Envisions Juan Soto In Free Agency Next Year
The New York Yankees traded one of the most coveted sluggers of the league, Juan Soto, from San Diego Padres on a one-year guarantee this year. Soto has achieved championships, dual silver slugger awards, and three all-star recognition in a mere six-year-old career. The slugger is just 25 years old, which makes him one of the most sought-after free agents. Having said that, now that Soto is with the Yanks for the upcoming season, speculations of a possible extension have been doing rounds for a while now. When the slugger was quizzed about the same, he kept his options open. He said the Yanks could talk to his agent if they have a proposal while he intends to devote his focus to playing baseball.
However, the hopes of the New York Yankees potentially signing an extension deal with Juan Soto were squashed by general manager Brian Cashman. In a recent conversation with Randy Miller of NJ Media, Cashman remarked that he envisions Soto as a free agent next year. Cashman added that they have always been transparent and realistic about Soto’s future in the Bronx. And the GM also confirmed that he hasn’t had any conversation with the slugger about any proposal whatsoever. It is quite evident how the Yanks seem to have given up on the pursuit already. Soto is yet to debut as a Yankee. But uncertainty over his future has caught mainstream media attention regardless. That being said, the 2024 season results will largely contribute to Juan Soto’s final free-agency decision.
Can Yankees Afford Juan Soto?
The biggest roadblock in New York Yankees pursuit of Juan Soto is the monetary stakes. Soto is valued at $500 million. And this projections are unlikely to change if Soto ends up having an ordinary year with the Bronx Bombers. Meanwhile, the Yanks already have Aaron Judge, Gerrit Cole, Giancarlo Stanton and Carlos Rodon on $30+ million salaries.
Therefore, under these circumstances, it’s nearly impossible for the New York Yankees to accommodate Juan Soto. Overall, the fans must stay grounded in their expectations of Soto. Retaining a player of Soto’s rank is a daunting task for any team whatsoever. While the Yanks are known for their deep pockets, Juan Soto will most probably fall out of their reach mainly due to luxury tax issues.
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