Key Takeaways:
– Yankees keen to secure outfielder Juan Soto with a potentially historic contract; attempts may break team policy by negotiating in-season extensions
– Soto indicates willingness to sign an in-season deal
– Scott Boras, Soto’s agent, likely to steer the player towards free agency
– Owing to limited competition, Yankees stand a good chance of retaining Soto
– Soto may command a contract surpassing Shohei Ohtani’s $700 million from the Dodgers
Major Contract for Major Talent
Major League Baseball infielder, Juan Soto, is the subject of significant speculations, with the New York Yankees expressing intense interest in signing the star outfielder for a potentially unheard-of long-term deal. This move would stand out, as it goes against the team’s casual policy of refraining from in-season deal negotiations. However, owner Hal Steinbrenner seems to hold a different sentiment when it comes to the sought-after player.
“This is an Exception”
Steinbrenner, in an advanced chat with Jack Curry, a presenter for the New York Sports Network (SNY), suggested that Soto was an exception to their policy. The young outfielder also expressed his willingness to sign an in-season deal to remain a Yankee.
However, baseball insiders like Mark Fesinand of MLB.com hint at possible hurdles to these intentions. According to Feinsand, both Yankees and Soto are potentially delaying a definite deal until post-World Series. In this scenario, Soto’s agent Scott Boras is even less likely to jump in due to the testing 2023-24 offseason he had.
Topping the Charts With Yankee Pinstripes
Despite the backstage drama, Soto’s performance continues to rise in the Bronx. He has thus far rejected what might be termed the “final best” offer from the Nationals, believed to be around $440 million. The Padres later recruited him in 2022. With a .315/.416/.551 slash line, boosting the Yankees to the premier spot in the A.L with a 33-16 record, Soto is well on course for a record-setting contract.
Industry experts Have predicted Soto’s contract to be at least $500 million, making it the richest for a non-pitcher. Baseball America audaciously projected Boras to secure Soto a $701 million deal, surpassing the Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani’s record.
Competition for Soto’s Signature
Though Soto and Boras may push towards free agency, the scarcity of competition may throw an extension in their favor. According to Feinsand, only two teams, the Dodgers and the Mets, might have the budget and interest to participate in a bidding war for Soto. Both teams have financial considerations that may dissuade them from such a contest.
In this rather limited market, the Yankees stand a high chance of retaining Soto and further enhancing their team. Fans and experts alike will watch, waiting to see how the situation unfolds, and whether the rumored renegotiations truly will result in history-making figures.