The New York Yankees are looking to secure Juan Soto as a long-term player for the team. General manager Brian Cashman echoed owner Hal Steinbrenner’s sentiments about wanting to keep Soto with the team for the rest of his career. Soto was recently acquired in a trade, and the Yankees hope to make it difficult for him to leave in free agency. Cashman acknowledged that while they want to keep Soto, ultimately, the decision will be up to the player himself.
Soto, who is making $31 million in his final year of arbitration, has been an essential addition to the Yankees lineup. He has provided a significant boost to the team’s offense and has seamlessly integrated into the clubhouse and the New York spotlight. Cashman praised Soto as a generational talent and expressed the team’s satisfaction with acquiring him. While talks of a new deal have not yet begun, discussions are expected to take place at some point during the season. Soto had turned down a lucrative contract extension from the Nationals in 2022 and did not reach a deal with the Padres after being traded from Washington.
Soto and Aaron Judge are consistently batting second and third in the lineup, respectively. Their contributions at the plate have been significant, with Judge ranking among the top hitters in the American League. The success of the team’s sluggers, paired with an unexpectedly strong starting rotation, has propelled the Yankees to the top of the AL East. Soto’s immediate impact has impressed not only team officials and current teammates but also former Yankee stars like CC Sabathia, who praised Soto’s performance and expressed a desire for him to stay in pinstripes.
Sabathia noted that Soto’s previous experiences with both the Nationals and the Padres have prepared him for success in New York. The young outfielder appears comfortable and has quickly found his place within the team. The former pitcher also expressed his hope that the Yankees can reach a new deal with Soto to keep him in New York long term. Sabathia mentioned that it’s not surprising that Steinbrenner wants to keep Soto with the team, as the talented outfielder has made a strong impression on everyone who has seen him play.
Overall, the Yankees are focused on securing Juan Soto as a core player for their team moving forward. While negotiations have not yet begun, the team is hopeful that they can come to a deal that will keep Soto in New York for the foreseeable future. With Soto’s impressive performance on the field and positive impact in the clubhouse, it’s clear why the Yankees are eager to extend the outfielder’s tenure with the team. As talks progress, fans and baseball enthusiasts will be watching closely to see whether the Yankees can successfully secure Soto’s future in pinstripes.
