Juan Soto has been a key figure in the MLB offseason, recently declining the New York Yankees’ qualifying offer of $21.05 million, as reported by Jon Heyman. With this decision, the Yankees will receive a compensatory draft pick if they are unable to re-sign Soto. The deadline for his decision was Tuesday.
Soto, 26, has met with multiple teams and more meetings are planned. Though no official offers have been publicized, the outfielder is projected to secure one of the most lucrative contracts in baseball history. He joined the Yankees last winter in a major trade with the San Diego Padres and had an impressive season, hitting a career-high 41 home runs with a 7.9 WAR.
During the season, Soto posted a .288 batting average, a .419 on-base percentage, and a .569 slugging percentage, tallying 109 RBIs and leading the AL with 128 runs scored. His achievements included starting the All-Star Game in left field, winning a Silver Slugger, and being an AL MVP finalist. He was also a Gold Glove finalist.
Juan Soto
Soto excelled in the postseason, contributing significantly with four home runs and nine RBIs, achieving a 1.101 OPS. One of his most pivotal moments came in Game 5 of the ALCS against the Cleveland Guardians when he hit a three-run home run in the tenth inning, securing the series win for the Yankees.
The Yankees benefited greatly from Soto’s star power, and they remain a leading contender to re-sign him in free agency.
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