NEW YORK — At 1:27 a.m., Juan Soto emerged from the New York Yankees’ clubhouse for the last time this season. Just before leaving, he gave his final greetings to clubhouse officials.
“See you again.” Soto said.
Thus began the unofficial start of Soto’s long-awaited free agency, which was expected to net him at least $500 million from a franchise that ultimately signs him. His contract could surpass Shohei Ohtani’s average annual value, especially considering Soto just turned 26 and is one of baseball’s most elite players.
After asking countless questions about his future, Soto sat at his locker contemplating the enormous sums that could hit his bank account in the coming months. He’s not just a generational talent. He is ready to acquire generational wealth. When asked if he could have made at least $500 million, Soto smiled knowingly.
“It’s been on my mind for a while,” he said.
Even after the Los Angeles Dodgers won the World Series, Soto was lost in his uniform, staring at his locker and trying to make sense of the Yankees’ disappointing season.
Last February, Soto was confident the Yankees had enough talent to win a championship. However, the Dodgers revealed a fatal flaw that had plagued the Yankees all year. When Alex Verdugo struck out to end a 4-1 series loss, Soto stayed in the dugout longer than any other player. Perched on the bench with his batting helmet and gloves on, he prepared for the final at-bat that never came. As he watched the Dodgers celebrate, frustration washed over him. Still, he was able to appreciate what the Yankees accomplished, even if they didn’t win the pennant.
Anthony Volpe watches the Dodgers celebrate at the top of the standings. Juan Soto sits wearing batting gloves and helmet. pic.twitter.com/aswS9uCEf7
— Chris Kirschner (@ChrisKirschner) October 31, 2024
He reflected on the possibility of this being his last game in pinstripes, calling it a “tough game” to finish. While he appreciates every moment of the year, he insists that no team can have an edge over the other once free agency hits.
“Once you get into free agency, it seems like every team has the same opportunity,” Soto said. “I can’t say which team has the advantage. We will evaluate what each has to offer.”
Soto is the rare superstar who publicly acknowledges his personal accomplishments, understanding that his performance determines his worth. The realization that he has just completed the best season of his career begs the question: Why would he leave the Yankees? He’s been hitting in front of Aaron Judge all year and will likely finish in the top five in American League MVP voting. There are few lineups that can provide the Yankees with the protection that will not only improve his stats but also improve his chances of returning to the World Series stage.
“This year will stay in my mind for the rest of my life,” Soto said of the 2024 Yankees. “It was really special. I am proud of what I have accomplished. Mainly thanks to Judge. The hard work put in during the offseason has paid off. I am proud of myself and this group because they made it easy for me. “I’m not sure what will happen next year.”
A close colleague acknowledged it. athletic He had no idea what Soto’s intentions were in free agency and only implied that Soto really enjoyed being a Yankee this year. He could never read what Soto wanted in free agency.
It is important to note that the Yankees were not Soto’s choice in 2024. They chased him, believing he could be the missing piece for a title run. Once it became clear he would be joining the Yankees, Soto was excited to be part of an organization that was consistently in playoff contention. This was an important factor as he weighed his options.
Soto might not have been a Yankee if the late Peter Seidler, owner of the San Diego Padres, had wanted him to stay in San Diego during his career, according to reports. Soto said athletic He was open to signing a long-term extension with the Padres because of how loaded their roster is. He never pursued a trade, believing he would play for San Diego in 2024 until the organization’s direction changed following Seidler’s death.
Juan Soto and Aaron Judge have combined to form one of the most powerful duos in baseball in 2024. (Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
There is a widespread belief that New York’s strong Dominican background and proximity to Soto’s home country gives it an edge over the Yankees and Mets. But Soto downplayed this aspect of the decision-making process. What will weigh heavily on his mind in the coming months is the realization that the Yankees have a core of stars as strong as any other organization in baseball.
“It’s always hard to leave a winning team, but this was really special,” Soto said. “I had a really exciting time here. Wherever I end up, I will be happy with my teammates and the relationships I have made. This group is exceptional. In the end, we’ll see what happens.”
Yankees fans have made their wishes clear. They want Soto to stay in pinstripes throughout his career. They chanted, “Renew Soto’s contract!” Throughout the season, he arrived at Yankee Stadium with a duplicate blank check with his name on it. His teammates lobbied publicly for his return, and Jazz Chisholm Jr. boldly said he should be paid $700 million. Jasson Domínguez expressed a desire to learn from Soto, urging the Yankees to do whatever it takes to keep him.
“You’ve got to give him the cash,” Domínguez said early in the World Series. “Eventually, after that at-bat in Cleveland, I would give him a blank check. Anything you want is here. “Stay here.”
When asked what advice he would give Soto in free agency, Giancarlo Stanton’s message was, “Stay with us.”
There is a palpable sense of urgency in the Yankees clubhouse and fan base to recognize Soto’s tremendous value and retain him. Without him, the Yankees’ roster will be depleted in 2025. Fans are already starting to imagine the next decade when he and Judge will be at the top of the rankings.
When asked whether fans’ desire for him to stay would influence his decision, Soto acknowledged the impact of fan support on Yankees ownership.
“It will probably have an impact on ownership decisions,” Soto said. “Thank you so much to all the fans. “It was truly amazing.”
Last offseason, Soto’s agent, Scott Boras, signed four of his biggest clients: Matt Chapman, Blake Snell, Jordan Montgomery and Cody Bellinger. I took him to the FA and had him go through the FA process. Soto expressed no concern about a similar scenario this year, suggesting he wouldn’t mind if it happened again.
He also refrained from telling Boras to give the Yankees one last chance to match any offers in free agency, indicating that his single season in New York does not give him any distinct advantage over other teams. .
Soto did not directly answer whether he would like to return to the Yankees next season and said he plans to consider all offers that come his way. For fans hoping for warm sentiments about his future with the Yankees, his comments on the final day of the season fell short.
That uncertainty loomed in the New York clubhouse as Soto sat in the dugout and watched the Dodgers celebrate on the infield at Yankee Stadium. As he focuses on what he calls “the next step” in his career, he ponders what could have been.
The next step for his manager is signing a long-term contract with the Yankees.
“I hope he’s here forever,” Aaron Boone said.
(Top photo of Soto: Sarah Stier / Getty Images)
