On Wednesday, following the final out of the 2025 season, New York Yankees superstar Juan Soto was the last player to exit the first-base dugout.
Game 5 of the World Series could very well have been Soto’s last appearance in a Yankees uniform. It seems he wasn’t ready to say goodbye, and neither are his teammates.
“Just stay with us,” said Yankees slugger Giancarlo Stanton when asked what advice he would offer to Soto during the free agency period.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone chimed in, expressing hope for Soto’s return, saying, “I hope he’s here forever, but I’m also excited for him and what lies ahead.”
Juan Soto was asked if he thought tonight was his last game as a Yankee:
“You never know. At the end of the day, we’ll see where we’re at. Definitely a tough game to be my last one. But really happy with what we accomplished as a team and how far we got” pic.twitter.com/7O80JudeYg
— Yankees Videos (@snyyankees) October 31, 2024
After the Yankees’ narrow 7-6 loss, Soto shared his thoughts with the media.
Al Bello/Getty Images
“You never know,” he reiterated regarding his Yankee future. “This was a tough game to potentially end on, but I’m proud of what we achieved as a team.”
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Soto, who put up impressive numbers with a .288 batting average, 41 home runs, and 109 RBIs last season, is set to demand a hefty paycheck in free agency this winter—possibly even rivaling Shohei Ohtani’s record-setting 10-year, $700 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Juan Soto was asked if he expects the Mets to go after him in free agency:
“I don’t know which teams will pursue me. I’m open to all teams. No doors are closed.” pic.twitter.com/3VICeWeney
— SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) October 31, 2024
“I’m not sure which teams will be interested,” Soto stated. “I’m open to all 30 teams and I’m not closing any doors.”
Juan Soto on the perception of him preferring to stay in New York:
“I don’t think so. I’m happy here. At the end of the day, we’ll evaluate every situation and offer we receive.” pic.twitter.com/hAfOh4g7Uf
— Yankees Videos (@snyyankees) October 31, 2024
While the Yankees didn’t clinch their 28th championship this year, Soto’s contribution was crucial in their postseason run.
“I’m really happy with the city and the team,” he remarked. “We’ll consider every offer and make the best decision based on that.”
If this was indeed his last game in pinstripes, it’s worth noting that Soto grounded out in the eighth inning.
“This will stay in my heart forever. This group of guys, this year was really special. I’m proud of what I accomplished.” – Juan Soto pic.twitter.com/2p7SHC13u9
— Yankees Videos (@snyyankees) October 31, 2024
“This experience will stay with me for life. I’m proud of myself and my teammates for making this year special,” Soto concluded.