Clearly, the addition of Juan Soto has changed things for the New York Yankees. They have an offensive duo they can depend on. But sometimes, it feels like they rely on the pair of Aaron Judge and Juan Soto a little too much. That’s when the other sluggers need to play the supporting role as well. But in the last month, they were not doing as well as they would have liked. Since June 13, the NY side went 6-16 in their last 22 games of that month.
Later, in July, the Yankees started with a 4-8 record until the Midsummer Classic. After the All-Star break, things took time to get better. The NY side went 2-5 at one point, then they started to turn things around. Lately, they are coming off a couple of series wins on the road. If they happen to maintain the momentum, they can be a top contender for the World Series. Then, there is another thing that the Yankees Faithful have been wondering about Juan Soto’s future with the franchise.
Will It Be Tough For The Yankees To Re-sign Juan Soto?
Bleacher Reports’ Zachary D. Rymer predicted that the Yankees will re-sign Juan Soto in free agency next offseason. Moreover, the Dominican slugger will be the biggest free agent after the 2024 season is over, for sure. Any team landing the ‘Generational talent’ will increase their chances of hoisting the Commissioner’s Trophy at the end of the 2024 World Series. But D. Rymer said it is not just the Yankees who have a chance to sign Soto for a long term contract. According to the MLB Analyst, there are also other teams like the 2023 World Series winner, the Texas Rangers, the San Francisco Giants, the Toronto Blue Jays and his former club, the Washington Nationals.
These franchises seem to be perfect fits for the 2020 NL Batting Champion. However, Soto’s free agency will see a tough bidding battle between the two New York teams – the Yankees and the Mets. So far this season, the Mets have dominated the Subway Series. In a big way, they swept the Bronx Bombers in a couple of series in 2024. The Mets torched Gerrit Cole and outscored the city rivals 36-15. However, Rymer said that the 27-time World Champions will re-sign Juan Soto for a 15-year deal worth $550 million. That means Soto’s Annual Average Salary will be $34.7 million.
Mets Have A Better Payroll Situation Than Their City Rivals
Juan Soto has been hitting .309 with 77 RBIs, 89 Walks and 27 home runs. He also has a 1.030 OPS. When the Dominican slugger is performing at an MVP-level, surely bidding for him will get interesting this offseason. But what the Yankees will absolutely hate is seeing their favorite Soto head to the Queens.
But Hal Steinbrenner had said months ago that their payroll “Is not sustainable.” On the other hand, Steve Cohen will not leave any stone unturned to make the Mets roster better. Moreover, their offense can get a whole lot better if Juan Soto joins hands with their first baseman, Pete Alonso.
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