The future of star outfielder Juan Soto is a hot topic for the New York Yankees this year. Acquired from the San Diego Padres in an impressive trade, Soto has become a key player for the team. While set to become a free agent at the end of the season, he’s hinted at a possible contract extension with the Yankees.
Read more: Juan Soto responds to Yankees owner’s desire to keep him long-term.
Soto, on track for a record-breaking free-agent deal, might hold off until winter for the best offer, especially from the Yankees. His time with the team has exceeded his expectations, with Soto expressing happiness with his New York experience.
“This has been more than I expected,” Soto shared in a recent interview. “It’s been incredible so far.”
New York prides itself on a championship-or-bust mentality, with Soto poised to contribute to that goal. As a city that’s birthed many stars, a Yankees legend believes it’s crucial for Soto to continue playing in New York.
Alex Rodriguez, the former Yankees third baseman, has advised Soto to follow his lead and commit to the team as he did. Sharing his own experience, Rodriguez mentioned how he prioritized winning with the Yankees over lucrative offers from other teams.
“There’s no better place on earth for Soto to play baseball than New York,” Rodriguez stated emphatically.
Having secured a World Series win in 2009 with the Yankees, Rodriguez emphasized how sticking with the team could benefit Soto’s brand in the long run. At just 25, Soto’s career stands to gain from winning championships with the Yankees.
It’s a straightforward decision for Soto. He can choose to remain with the New York Yankees, a team focused on eternal success, or chase a bigger paycheck elsewhere. Given his positive experience with the Yankees so far, staying put seems like the way to go, with the team likely to sweeten the deal to keep him onboard.