Juan Soto, in his lone season with the New York Yankees, was nothing short of sensational. The left-handed slugger batted .288, hit a career-high 41 home runs, walked 109 times, and posted a .989 OPS. His contributions played a pivotal role in the team’s run to the 2024 World Series, particularly in the postseason.
His dramatic 10th-inning, three-run home run against the Guardians in Game 5 of the ALCS is already considered one of the greatest moments in New York Yankees playoff history. Despite the Yanks falling to the Dodgers in the World Series, Juan Soto proved he could thrive under the intense New York spotlight, and now he has offers from as many as 3 teams.
Yankees, Mets, Among Five Teams Competing for Juan Soto
The race to sign superstar outfielder Juan Soto is heating up, with five teams, the New York Yankees, New York Mets, Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Toronto Blue Jays, submitting offers to the 25-year-old free agent. After a stellar season with the Yankees, Soto has become one of the most coveted players in the league, with negotiations now underway to determine his next destination. Sources indicate that Soto’s next contract could surpass Shohei Ohtani’s record-setting $700 million deal signed last winter with the Dodgers. While Ohtani’s contract included deferred payments over a 10-year span, Soto reportedly prefers a 15-year deal without deferrals, signaling his intent to maximize the immediate value of his earnings.
The offers presented to Soto’s agent, Scott Boras, are said to have been made late last week, and Juan Soto has been actively involved in the process, meeting with all five teams in Los Angeles. New York Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner and other team officials reportedly emphasized the Bronx’s unique advantages, including Yankee Stadium’s hitter-friendly dimensions, Soto’s strong rapport with MVP Aaron Judge, and the team’s recent World Series appearance. While the Yanks are considered strong contenders to re-sign Soto, the competition is fierce. The Mets, under owner Steve Cohen’s aggressive leadership, are reportedly eager to bring Soto to Queens. Meanwhile, the Dodgers, who just secured Ohtani, are making a strong push to pair Soto with their star-studded lineup. The Red Sox and Blue Jays, both eager to strengthen their rosters, round out the field. Soto’s decision will ultimately come down to a combination of finances, competitiveness, and personal preferences.
Aaron Judge Scrutinised By Ex-Yankee Catcher
New York Yankees captain Aaron Judge is facing scrutiny after former Yankees catcher Erik Kratz suggested he could have done more to ensure Juan Soto remains in pinstripes. Kratz speculated on Judge’s mindset during Soto’s free agency negotiations, drawing parallels to Judge’s own experience as a free agent two years ago.
However, Kratz hinted at a possible disconnect between Aaron Judge and Juan Soto over their season together. “Maybe they didn’t connect over the year,” Kratz said before adding that if Soto were truly a close friend or valued teammate, Judge should have made more of an effort to advocate for him to stay with the Yankees.
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