The New York Yankees have traditionally allowed player contracts to expire before discussing extensions, a policy long upheld by team ownership.
However, Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner has indicated a willingness to make an exception for right fielder Juan Soto.
In a forthcoming episode of the YES Network podcast with Jack Curry, Steinbrenner expressed his desire to keep the 25-year-old Soto with the team indefinitely.
“I want to make Juan Soto a Yankee for life,” Steinbrenner said, adding that he is “likely” to initiate discussions with Soto’s agent, Scott Boras, during the season.
Soto, after the Yankees completed a sweep of the Minnesota Twins, stated he is open to such talks.
“My door’s always open,” Soto said.
“Whenever Hal wants to start talking with Scott and all his people, they’re always open to hear whatever he has to say. For me, I just focus on the game right now… My goal is to help the team win as many games as we can and to focus on winning a championship.”
Scott Boras, known for steering his clients to free agency to maximize their contracts, represents Soto. With expectations that Soto’s next contract could surpass $500 million, and possibly even $600 million, few teams can afford such an investment.
The Yankees and the Mets, backed by owner Steve Cohen, are expected to be the main contenders for Soto’s signature if he reaches free agency.
While an in-season extension is unlikely, it is not impossible. Soto has enjoyed his time with the Yankees, despite experiencing his first minor slump of the season. He currently boasts a .302 batting average with a .920 OPS.
“It’s been pretty nice, it’s been pretty cool,” Soto said of his experience in New York.
“The fanbase has been amazing, not only in New York but at every stadium we go to. You can hear it… New York feels great. It’s a lot of culture, a lot of Hispanic culture and everything. I’ve been feeling good so far, and the stadium and clubhouse and everything has been pretty cool.”
Comparing the Yankees to his previous teams, the Nationals and Padres, Soto highlighted the Yankees’ massive fanbase.
“It’s way bigger than both teams I’ve been with. Washington has a great fanbase, San Diego has a huge fanbase, but here, it’s just been great. Massive fanbase. I think that’s the biggest difference for me.”
https://x.com/yankeeslite/status/1791296709915455776?t=ZnNOAsivc695TZkb1NKwQg&s=31
As Steinbrenner and the Yankees contemplate a historic contract, the prospect of Soto staying in pinstripes for the foreseeable future remains a tantalizing possibility.
