The Juan Soto sweepstakes is the latest free agent battle the New York Yankees are looking to win, with owner Hal Steinbrenner noting that talks with the left-handed slugger and his super agent Scott Boras are unlikely. I talked about how it was.
At least what he was allowed to say about the meeting.
The paper said the “very honest, back-and-forth conversation” lasted “several hours.” new york post.
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Juan Soto of the New York Yankees celebrates after hitting a home run in the bottom of the third inning of Game 1 of the American League Championship Series on October 14, 2024 in New York. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
It's not like Soto really needs to be sold to play for the Yankees. He spent the entire 2024 season with them and made it to the World Series thanks in large part to his success in the Bronx.
However, Steinbrenner asked what the Yankees' player development system is, which plays a big role in the team's current and future performance, without providing details. Soto is looking for long-term housing and wants to make sure his next team is competitive.
Steinbrenner was asked multiple times what he thought Soto's hopes were, to which the Yankees owner replied, “I don't know.”
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“We'll be part of that,” Steinbrenner added. “All I know is he's going to earn this and go through the process.”
Yankees fans are waiting with bated breath for Soto's free agency decision, hoping the 2024 All-Star continues to hit home runs for the team for the next decade-plus.
Juan of the New York Yankees celebrates after hitting a home run in the bottom of the 10th inning against the Cleveland Guardians in Game 5 of the American League Championship Series at Progressive Field in Cleveland on October 19, 2024. Soto. (Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
But there are contenders elsewhere, including the New York Mets, whose owner, Steve Cohen, is MLB's richest. The Philadelphia Phillies, Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays and World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers are also potential candidates.
The 26-year-old Soto's talent is more than enough for many to believe he will receive the biggest contract in the history of the sport.
Yankees fans are begging the team to use whatever it takes to keep Soto at Yankee Stadium. And Steinbrenner heard pleas and chants inside the stadium.
“I have ears,” he said. “I know what's expected of me. That was my first priority. Otherwise I wouldn't have gone to the West Coast.”
“We listen to our fans. Our fans were really looking forward to him coming to New York. He's a big part of why we made it to the World Series. There is no doubt that it is.”
Hal Steinbrenner during a press conference at Yankee Stadium. (Jessica Arce/USA Today Sports)
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Soto hit .285/.421/.532 with 201 home runs in his first seven years in the league.
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