Let’s get this out of the best way: cash goes to be a mighty consider Juan Soto’s free agent choice.
With Scott Boras representing the 26-year-old and a few of baseball’s richest house owners pursuing him, the notion is that Soto will take the very best provide, or near it. However certainly suitors, which embrace the Yankees, Mets, Crimson Sox, Blue Jays and Dodgers, have been speaking to Soto about extra than simply financials as he seeks a deal that can final effectively past a decade and price significantly greater than half-a-billion {dollars}.
With such a dedication coming with life- and legacy-changing implications and Soto in line for a serious payday it doesn’t matter what, we brainstormed a number of issues the Yankees might provide Soto moreover cash. Whereas not all of this stuff are unique to the Bombers, they will make a gross sales pitch that goes past chilly, arduous money.
COMFORT, CONTINUITY & FAMILIARITY
By all accounts, Soto actually loved his 2024 marketing campaign within the Bronx. Along with reaching the World Collection after a profession yr, the fitting fielder dealt with the New York highlight effectively, match into the Yankees’ clubhouse and bonded with the staff’s passionate fanbase.
On the GM Conferences earlier this month, Boras famous that Soto was “really comfortable” within the metropolis. Soto, in the meantime, beforehand known as this previous season “one of the most fun years” he’s had within the majors.
After being traded by the Nationals and Padres, Soto hasn’t performed two full, consecutive seasons for a similar staff since 2020-2021. Staying in a single place — one which he already is aware of he likes — may very well be interesting.
The Yankees are the one suitor that may totally provide this to Soto, and the participant’s one-year preview in pinstripes appeared to make a robust impression. Nevertheless, the Mets additionally include the backdrop of New York Metropolis, and Soto’s subsequent contract goes to present him long-term stability wherever he lands.
HITTING IN FRONT OF JUDGE
Soto had the most effective yr of his profession in 2024, slashing .288/.419/.569 with 41 residence runs, 109 RBI, a 180 wRC+ and an 8.1 fWAR earlier than ending third in MVP voting. It’s no coincidence that he did all that whereas hitting in entrance of the particular MVP, Aaron Decide.
Soto has known as Decide “the greatest hitter in the world.” With Decide already underneath contract long-term, Soto now has an opportunity to maintain hitting in entrance of the Yankees’ captain for the foreseeable future. After placing collectively such a dominant season, persevering with that particular pairing — solely accessible within the Bronx — may very well be engaging.
That the 2 superstars appeared to click on shouldn’t damage the Yankees’ case, both, however different groups can definitely provide team-ups with elite gamers.
THE EAST COAST
Whereas Soto declared himself “available for all 30 teams” after the World Collection, there’s a perception that the Dominican-born, Miami-residing expertise would like to remain on the East Coast, the place he could be nearer to household.
Soto has downplayed the concept that meaning staying in New York, the place he linked with the Bronx’s massive Dominican inhabitants. Of his identified suitors, solely the Dodgers would take him away from the East Coast.
PINSTRIPED PRESTIGE
Few sports activities franchises can provide the identical status and historical past that the Yankees do. Sure, the Dodgers are up there as effectively and are contemporary off a championship, however Soto has mentioned that he desires to make a mark on the Yankees’ jam-packed document books. He can’t try this if he solely spends one season with the staff.
Soto might additionally find yourself in Monument Park if he sticks round. In reality, such an honor could be anticipated if he’s signing for over 10 seasons.
PARTNERING WITH AN OWNER
Whereas Yankees followers could discover Hal Steinbrenner much less aggressive and extra financially restrained than his late father, Decide just lately went to bat for the proprietor, calling The Boss’ son “active,” “receptive” and caring in regards to the product he funds. Decide additionally spoke intimately in regards to the shut relationship he shares with Steinbrenner.
Gerrit Cole, one other well-paid Yankee, additionally has a robust rapport with Steinbrenner. Final week, Steinbrenner mentioned he’d prefer to have the identical bond with Soto ought to the participant return. Steinbrenner added that he conveyed that message to Soto when the Yankees visited him and Boras in Southern California on Nov. 18.
Whereas some would possibly giggle on the concept of a friendship between a 26-year-old and a 54-year-old being some kind of promoting level, Boras has mentioned that Soto desires to know the proprietor he’ll be committing his future to.
CONSISTENT CONTENTION
Whereas all of this stuff might make a small distinction if Soto finds himself on the fence, he’s publicly acknowledged that profitable is “one of the biggest factors” in his free company (once more, he’s going to receives a commission regardless). The Yankees can provide that on a constant foundation. Then once more, so can a number of different suitors, together with the staff that simply beat the Yanks within the Fall Traditional.
Whereas the Yankees aren’t alone on this division and haven’t gained a championship since 2009, they do have a robust monitor document in terms of reaching the playoffs and placing themselves in robust place to take action by buying new expertise. Decide wished assurances from Steinbrenner that such developments would proceed earlier than re-signing with the membership two offseasons in the past, and when the Yankees suffered a uncommon playoff absence in 2023, they went out and bought Soto in a blockbuster take care of San Diego. That resulted in a pennant and a long-awaited return to the World Collection.
In a manner, Soto himself is an instance of how critical Steinbrenner and the Yankees may very well be about profitable all of it, their acknowledged purpose yearly. Nevertheless, retaining Soto gained’t be sufficient to place the Yankees excessive, as additionally they have questions at first, second and left, along with the rotation and bullpen.
Steinbrenner has acknowledged these holes. In doing so, the proprietor, who would like a payroll under the very best luxurious tax threshold, will probably should decide to spending past Soto because the Yankees’ courtship of the slugger continues.
