The most talked about impending free agent currently in MLB in undoubtedly 25-year-old generational talent, Juan Soto. He’s already achieved a World Series, 4 All-Star, 4 Silver Slugger, and a batting title in a six-year-long major league career. Hence, Soto will definitely be a hot commodity in upcoming free agency.
As per early projections, Juan Soto is likely to shatter all free agency records, with even Shohei Ohtani’s expensive contract record under threat. Amid constant swirling rumors, Soto made a startling revelation that reignited Yankee fans’ fat-fetched hopes of witnessing the slugger sign an extension contract with the New York Yankees.
Did Yankees Offer Juan Soto A Mid-Season Extension?
New York Yankees star Juan Soto recently revealed that he met with team owner Hal Steinbrenner in July, shedding light on the organization’s interest in keeping the 25-year-old outfielder in pinstripes long-term. “It was good to get to know the owner. Get to see what he’s thinking about me and everything,” Soto said, as reported by Brendan Kuty of The Athletic. With Soto set to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the 2024 season, he is expected to be one of the most coveted players in the market. Soto, who was traded earlier this season, has made a massive impact on the team, forming a lethal partnership with captain Aaron Judge. The present year is turning out to be a career-best run for him.
He’s hitting .288 with a career-high 41 home runs, 31 doubles, 108 RBIs, and a .990 OPS. Moreover, Juan Soto’s offensive production has been instrumental in the New York Yankees’ success, helping the team capture a playoff berth and second AL-East division title in three seasons. However, the Yankees face a difficult decision regarding Soto’s future, particularly given their financial situation. New York currently ranks third in MLB with a payroll of $302 million, according to FanGraphs. In May, Steinbrenner acknowledged the challenge of maintaining such a high payroll, citing luxury tax implications. Hence, re-signing Juan Soto is a delicate balancing act for the franchise, as they must weigh their financial limitations against the value he brings to the team. Meanwhile, Soto is expected to attract interest from other MLB teams, including the New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies, and his former team, the Washington Nationals.
Soto Savours ‘Special’ AL-East Division Victory With Yankees
Meanwhile, in his very first season with the New York Yankees, Juan Soto saw the team book a playoff berth and clinch AL-East division title whilst holding the best record in MLB. Undoubtedly, it was special feat for the generational star who revealed that securing the division was collective goal for the team.
“It was one of the goals that we tried to get at the beginning of the season,” Juan Soto said. With the final series currently underplay, the Yankees will head into October with a home-stand advantage for the ALDS. This year appears to be a golden opportunity for the Yanks to end the 15-year World Series drought and bring the ring home for the 28th time.
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