The New York Yankees will kick off their postseason on Saturday, October 5, facing the winner of the Kansas City Royals vs. Baltimore Orioles series. This is an exciting time for both fans and players, but the pressure to win in 2024 is particularly high due to Juan Soto’s impending free agency.
Winning a World Series could be a significant draw for Soto, especially since he might not be on the roster next season, and finding a replacement would be nearly impossible.
The key question around Soto is his potential contract. Many experts, including Michael Ginnitti of Spotrac, believe it could exceed $500 million. Ginnitti predicts he could secure a 14-year deal worth $530 million, averaging about $37.85 million per season.
“Everyone said the Soto/Yankees marriage would be a dream walk-year scenario for Soto,” Ginnitti wrote in August. “Everyone was right. There will be multiple teams attempting to lock in the 2nd largest contract in MLB history.”
Soto Met With Yankees Owner Hal Steinbrenner in July
Brendan Kuty of The Athletic reported that members of the New York Yankees front office, including owner Hal Steinbrenner, have engaged in discussions with Juan Soto. The latest conversation took place in July, but Kuty noted that Soto chose not to share details about what was discussed.
“If the New York Yankees have any advantage heading into the sweepstakes to sign star Juan Soto, it’ll be familiarity,” Kuty wrote on September 27. “It’s why they have spent their only guaranteed season with the coveted free-agent-to-be trying to learn about what makes him tick.
“Part of that intelligence-gathering mission included a private meeting between Soto and one of the people who may shape the outcome of winter’s most prominent free agent pursuit: Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner.”
Kuty added that, although Soto, Steinbrenner, and Soto’s agent, Scott Boras, all declined to comment, a source familiar with the matter indicated that their conversation focused on Soto’s experience.
“But, according to a person with knowledge of the conversation, much of the talk was focused on Soto’s experience so far with the Yankees,” Kuty wrote. “How has he enjoyed his time with the team? What could the Yankees do to enhance the experience of playing for them from the standpoint of a player new to the team?”
Soto’s Comments on His Pending Free Agency
Soto has frequently commented on his upcoming free agency this year, as has his agent. According to Kuty, the left-handed slugger expressed a desire to leave his mark in Yankees history, while also acknowledging that he might not be with the team in 2025.
“I think anybody would want to be in the history books for the Yankees,” Soto said. “I’ve been trying all year to be part of it — at least even if it’s for one year. I’m trying my best to be among those World Series champions. But we’ll see. At the end of the day, you never know if you’re going to be there.”
At just 25 years old, Soto is having another standout season, posting a .288/.419/.569 slash line with 41 home runs and a 178 OPS+. Such impressive numbers could justify a contract exceeding $500 million.
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