Ever since Juan Soto joined the Yankees, he has made an immediate impact on the team. His presence in the lineup has been felt both on and off the field. Soto’s performance at the plate has been outstanding, with a batting average of .302, 9 home runs, 34 RBIs, and a .920 OPS in just 45 games. He has quickly become a fan favorite and an integral part of the team’s success.
As Soto’s first time as a free agent approaches in the fall, there have been discussions about his future with the Yankees. Soto has expressed his willingness to engage in contract talks during the season if the team is interested in a long-term deal. Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner has also indicated that he would like to see Soto stay with the team for the rest of his career. While both parties acknowledge the potential distractions of negotiating a contract mid-season, they see the value in having discussions sooner rather than later.
Steinbrenner has taken a cautious approach to discussing a new contract with Soto. He understands the importance of allowing Soto to focus on playing well and fitting in with the team before broaching the subject of a long-term deal. Steinbrenner’s main priority is winning a championship in 2024, and he believes that having Soto on the team will greatly improve their chances of achieving that goal.
Soto, on the other hand, remains focused on playing baseball and helping the team win. While he appreciates the opportunity to discuss a new contract before the fall, he is not letting it distract him from his ultimate goal of being a key player for the Yankees. Soto’s decision to turn down a lucrative offer from the Nationals in 2022 shows his confidence in his abilities and his desire to secure the best possible deal for himself in the future.
One of the key factors in Soto’s success with the Yankees has been having Aaron Judge batting behind him. Judge, the 2022 American League MVP, has been a force at the plate and has provided valuable protection for Soto in the lineup. The combination of Soto and Judge has proven to be a lethal one, as evidenced by their recent performances against the Minnesota Twins.
The future looks bright for Juan Soto with the New York Yankees. His performance on the field, combined with his willingness to engage in contract talks, makes him an invaluable asset to the team. As negotiations progress, it will be interesting to see how Soto’s relationship with the team evolves and whether he ultimately decides to commit to a long-term deal with the Yankees.