Will the Yankees be able to retain Juan Soto this offseason ?
It is indisputable to say that Juan Soto is one of the Yankees’ return to the World Series in this 2024 MLB season.
But let’s not forget that he is under contract for one year, and one year only.
After last night loss 4-2 against the Dodgers in World Series Game 3, the probability to see New York winning the trophy becomes less and less possible. And this is probably not helping their case for a Juan Soto’s return next year.
Since joining the Yankees, Juan Soto probably felt the warm welcome from fans. He was probably the piece that was missing to that team which just missed the post-season in 2023 for the first time in decades.
The impact was real and immediate. Offensively, Soto brought with him his .421 OBP and 201 career home runs. Defensively, is strong arm was a powerful weapon in right field.
EIght months later, the Yankees won the American League pennant and were back to the World Series. Of Course, the MVP-caliber season from Aaron Judge helped a lot during regular season and Giancarlo Stanton resurgence during post-season was a great surprise.
But yet, in the biggest stage, Juan Soto was the only one to really show up when it matters most. And this could be the worst that could happen to the Yankees in the perspective of his looming free agency.
When it comes down to the future, only 3 teams seem ready to welcome Juan Soto : the Yankees, the Dodgers and the New-York Mets.
Couple days ago, we reported that the Dodgers may have an interest in Juan Soto despite his potential high value.
His agent, Scott Boras, well-know for his strong and direct approach, already announced that he will chase the Ohtani-style 700 millions dollars contract for Soto. He won’t probably hit that mark but the 600 million contract is definitely a possible range.
The Mets would have a strong case on their own. With the richest owner and a team that just went to National league Championship Series, the New York Mets will be a team to watch this winter.
The Yankees are facing an agitated offseason and a possibly turning point for the future. Among talents that will be available on the market this offseason we can mention : Anthony Rizzo, Alex Verdugo, Gleyber Torres.
With the mergence of young talent such as Anthony Volpe or Jasson Dominguez, the Yankees are at crossroads this winter.
Not being able to make Juan Soto come back will probably implies a lot of changes in the Bronx and not only regarding upcoming free agent.
The team’s core might also evolve and leaning towards a possible rebuilding phase.
Photo Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
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