Juan Soto Sends Clear Message to Yankees Front Office with Free Agency Approaching
Following a lackluster 82-80 season, the New York Yankees made a bold move last winter, acquiring outfielder Juan Soto from the San Diego Padres in December 2023. This decision is paying off, as the Yankees are now 77-54 after a recent win against the Colorado Rockies on August 25, holding a one-game lead in the American League East. Soto has been instrumental in this success, boasting a .299/.429/.606 slash line, 37 home runs, 95 RBIs, and 108 runs scored in 583 plate appearances.
The risk taken by General Manager Brian Cashman in trading for Soto lies in his looming free agency, where Soto could potentially sign one of the largest contracts in MLB history. Yankees fans, eager to keep him in New York, chanted “Please stay Soto” at Yankee Stadium on August 25. When asked about his future, Soto responded, “I don’t know. They have to talk to Cashman.”
At just 25 years old, Soto is on track to earn significant money this winter, having already made over $82 million in his career. With a projected WAR of 7.6 this season, his value to the Yankees is clear. Soto and his agent, Scott Boras, have already turned down several contract extension offers, with some projections suggesting he could command over $500 million.
Aaron Judge, another key figure in the Yankees lineup, is also eager to see Soto stay in the Bronx. Having experienced a record-breaking season before his own free agency, Judge knows the importance of securing top talent. During the “Please stay Soto” chants, Judge was seen smiling and gesturing to Soto, indicating his support for keeping the star outfielder with the Yankees.
Soto appears to be a perfect fit for the Yankees, and keeping him paired with Judge could create a formidable lineup for years to come. The final challenge remains whether the Yankees are willing to spend what it takes to retain him.
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