TAMPA — There was no need for any introduction, but the Yankees’ newest superstar took to the stage Monday wearing a T-shirt that read “The Juan Soto of a Generation.”
That’s why the Yankees traded him. That’s why they only guarantee him one year of service before he becomes a free agent and receives a huge salary.
But in the meantime, they will try to chase championships with the generational talent that has worn the pinstripes.
After making his official report Monday morning, Soto said of the Yankees’ first few hours in spring training, “It’s just been incredible.” “Great organization. [So] So far it’s been great. I felt really good. Great start for me. I think we’re in a good position right now. ”
Soto has repeatedly said he would leave all contract negotiations to his agent, Scott Boras, but it has been widely speculated that the 25-year-old outfielder will become a free agent rather than sign an extension with the Yankees in advance. It is expected.
“For me, I’m just focused on ’24,” Soto said. “I came here to play baseball. This year I’m just focused on playing and trying to win as much as I can and bring a championship to New York.”
But the best left-handed hitter in the game will be on a trial run of sorts this year to determine if he’s interested in remaining with the Yankees long-term.
“We have to learn about the Yankees organization and the city and how they play in New York and make a decision there,” he said.
The Yankees made the trade for Soto with the knowledge that it would likely be a one-year deal.
Given the player package they gave up to acquire him (and Trent Grisham), the pressure will only increase on Soto and the Yankees to perform at the highest level.
“I’ve been dealing with this. I was in San Diego and it’s the same thing. They were talking about all this in just one year,” Soto said. “But it’s the same thing.
“You’re putting pressure on yourself. At the end of the day, I’m just trying to throw it away and go out and play baseball. Show what you’ve got and try to do your best. . If it happens, it happens. If it doesn’t, you just have to keep trying and learn from it.”
“I think we have everything we need,” Soto said of the Yankees’ clubhouse talent.
He said he intends to bat wherever manager Aaron Boone decides, and early indications are that Soto could be a double and Aaron Judge could be a triple.
“It’s going to be two walks or two ground balls,” Soto said. “But it’s going to be fun. If I’m batting in front of him, I’m going to try to get on base as much as possible so he can do his job and drop the hammer on the ball.”
Soto was also looking forward to home games in the Bronx.
“It’s going to run on electricity,” he said. “It’s going to be fun. There’s a big Latino community over there, so it’s going to be very exciting. It’s going to feel like home. I’m just so happy to be there.”
