Clearly, the New York Yankees would love to keep Juan Soto for the rest of his career with them. Ever since he joined the Bronx Bombers, he seemed to be at home, thanks to the huge Dominican diaspora in the Big Apple. Last winter, they needed to add a superstar lefty slugger who could fit well alongside Aaron Judge in the Yankee Stadium. The Dominican superstar was perfect for the ballpark because of his hitting style. Finally, the NY side landed him for a year, knowing that he would be a free agent next offseason.
Not just any free agent, but the biggest name as he is a “Generational talent.” His agent, the well-known Scott Boras, says, “Soto’s a Centurion.” He means that the slugger is one of the top 100 players to ever play in the MLB. Hence, any team that would manage to land the four-time Silver Slugger winner will increase their franchise value by a billion dollars. Can the Yankees be that organization that signs Soto for a long-term contract? Things look a bit shaky in that aspect for Hal Steinbrenner’s team.
Juan Soto Says He’s Always Open For In-Season Contract Talks With The Yankees
The 2020 NL Batting champion is busy focusing on helping the Yankees make the postseason at the moment. Right now, the 27-time World Series champions are looking good to make the playoffs. They are also looking like a top contender for the World Series this year. If they can have another two more good months, they can make the postseason with ease. Hence, at present, the NY side can’t really afford to worry about the free agent market of the next offseason. But the fans will constantly remind them of the Soto situation. The crosstown rivals, the NY Mets, are a top contender to snatch Juan Soto away from the Bronx Bombers. Two months ago, Hal Steinbrenner told YES Network’s Jack Curry that he would like to see the 25-year-old ‘Generational talent’ wear pinstripes for the rest of his career.
Later, Juan Soto said, as per Curry, “My doors have always been open for contract talks.” But the Dominican slugger said that he just wants to focus on baseball right now. However, he also said that Scott Boras and “All Those People” are always open to hearing what Hal Steinbrenner has to tell them. Then, Boras told Curry that he is always happy to talk with the Yankees owner. Soto’s agent said that the slugger is getting to know the organization of the Bronx Bombers. Moreover, Boras echoed Soto, saying, “Soto’s singular focus is winning.” Now, the question is how far Steinbrenner can go to keep Soto next offseason.
Can The Bronx Bombers Keep The Dominican Slugger For A Long-Term Deal?
Juan Soto and Aaron Judge have looked like a formidable duo in the league this year. Moreover, the team has been relying too much on the Judge-Soto duo for their offense. Now, at this point, the Pinstripes can’t imagine going deep into the playoffs without Soto. But the problem is with the organization’s payroll situation. The Yankees owner had said a couple of months ago that their payroll is “Not Sustainable.”
Moreover, it doesn’t seem Boras would give any discount to the 27-time champions. On the other hand, the New York Mets have a better payroll situation, and they had their eyes on the Dominican slugger since his Washington Nationals days. Moreover, ESPN analysts suggest Soto can earn between $500 million and $600 million over a 15-year deal. Can Steinbrenner’s organization go to that length?
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