While Aaron Judge and the rest of the New York Yankees will spend the offseason ruefully reflecting on their World Series loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers, Juan Soto will embrace the “exciting” challenge of securing a lucrative new contract.
Soto hits free agency as one of the most sought-after players in recent years with the expectation of landing a deal that would place him second behind Shohei Ohtani as the richest of all time.
The 26-year-old moved to the Yankees in December 2023 and enjoyed a hugely successful season in the Bronx, hitting 41 home runs in the regular season and another four during the playoffs.
Remaining in pinstripes is an option but Soto was giving little away and explained he intends to explore all options before making a decision.
It’s going to be exciting,” said Soto, speaking shortly after the Game 5 loss to the Dodgers that extinguished the Yankees’ World Series hopes.
“It’s going to be a good experience. I think every player in the big league wants to experience this. So it’s exciting to see how it’s going to be.
“We’re going to look at every situation, every offer that we get. I don’t know what teams want to come after me, but definitely I’ll be open to listen to every single team. I don’t have any doors closed or anything like that, so I’m going to be available for all 30 teams.”
Juan Soto was asked if he expects the Mets to go after him in free agency:
“I don’t know what’s the teams that are going to come after me. Definitely, I’ll be open to this and every single team. I don’t have any doors closed. I”m gonna be available for all 30 teams pic.twitter.com/3VICeWeney
— SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) October 31, 2024
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Soto wants rings
Soto did admit that priority would be given to teams that could challenge, potentially giving a leg-up to American League champions, the Yankees.
“I feel like everybody wants to be on a winning team,” he said. “That’s one of the biggest things that you look up to. You want to be part of this. Even if you don’t make it to the last team standing, you want to be involved in all these [games], so I think that’s one of the biggest things I’m looking for.”
On playing for the Yankees, he added: “Leaving any place that is a winning team? It’s always hard, and definitely this place was really special.
“It’s been a blast for me. I’ve been really happy. If I’m here or not, I’m really happy for the teammates that I have and the people that I got to know in here. This was a really special group.”
Juan Soto on if the Yankees have an advantage in his free agency”
“I feel like every team has the same opportunities when I go into free agency. I don’t want to say anyone has an advantage because at the end of the day we’re gonna look at what they have & how much they want me” pic.twitter.com/ulGDORoJ7G
— Yankees Videos (@snyyankees) October 31, 2024
Judge hopes Soto will remain in the Bronx
Yankees star Judge certainly hopes he’ll stay.
“I’m proud of the year that Juan had,” said Judge. “It was fun to come to work with him every single day. Even when the guy was hitting .320, I’d see him hitting late after games.
“If he had a oh-fer, he was showing up early doing work. Whatever he decides, whatever him and his family decide he’s going to make the right decision for him. We were definitely lucky to have him here, and it would be great to keep playing with him because he’s definitely a special player.”
