Key takeaways:
– The New York Yankees’ star player Juan Soto could receive a good offer to stay at the Bronx.
– Soto will become a free agent after the 2024 season.
– Soto’s record in the season shows his potential and worth to the team.
– Soto expresses the desire to sign a long-term deal following colleagues’ footsteps, like Harper, Turner, Bogaerts, and Machado.
Juan Soto, New York Yankees’ key player, could potentially be retained through good deal offers by the Yankees, following a great start in the 2024 season. Jimmy O’Brien of Jomboy Media seems confident in the team’s ability to offer Soto a decent deal. He stated during his appearance on the MLB Network that Soto was exhibiting promising marketability and skill.
Soto’s Impressive Track Record
Soto’s season records speak volumes about his potential. With his slash line standing at .337/.456/.578 in 22 games, he shows excellent promise for the upcoming free-agency deal. As per projections, Soto could earn a 12-year $408 million deal. This prediction only amplifies the 25-year-old’s star power, bolstered by his performance since being acquired from the San Diego Padres in a seven-player trade.
Yankees’ Advantage in Retaining Soto
As per reports, the Yankees have not explored what an extension might take, which could be viewed as an oversight given Soto’s strong season performance. Randy Miller of NJ.com reported on the team’s clear intention of seeing Soto go into free agency. However, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the New York Mets might be the best poised team to “steal him away”.
With key players like Anthony Rizzo, Alex Verdugo, and Gleyber Torres, possibly signing elsewhere if the Yankees choose to retain Soto, the team is seen as being prepared to handle this financially. O’Brien’s predictions hold some weight with $90 million projected to come off their books this year.
Soto’s Dreams of a Long-Term Deal
Soto is open to signing long-term contracts with the team. According to ESPN’s Alden Gonzalez, Soto just wants to “finish in that one spot” and doesn’t intend to test the market again. This sentiment comes from observing former colleagues Bryce Harper, Trea Turner, Xander Bogaerts, and Manny Machado, who have comfortably signed long-term deals, solidifying their careers with their respective teams.
Although the Yankees have not discussed an extension with Soto, there seems to be no resistance from the player’s part, reflected by his agent Scott Boras. Soto is “willing to listen”, making it clear that he is open for a long-term deal.
As this season unfolds, viewers and fans will be eagerly waiting to witness the upturns and downturns of these negotiations and Soto’s future in the Yankees. The balancing act between finances, player performance, and team dynamics will play a crucial role in what happens next, casting Soto and the Yankees in the spotlight of the 2024 season.