Juan Soto has left the New York Yankees’ clubhouse for the last time this season, signaling the unofficial start of his highly-anticipated free agency. Many have predicted that he could command at least half a billion dollars from the franchise that ultimately signs him, potentially surpassing the average annual value of Shohei Ohtani’s contract. Reflecting on this possibility, Soto conveyed that the prospect of earning generational wealth has been on his mind for a while. Even after the Los Angeles Dodgers won the World Series, Soto could be found in full uniform, contemplating the Yankees’ disappointing season and his own impending free agency.
Back in February, Soto believed that the Yankees had the talent to win the championship. The Dodgers, however, exposed the faults that had hampered them all season. Following the Yankees’ 4-1 series loss, Soto openly expressed his gratitude for the team’s achievements, even in the absence of a championship victory. Thinking about the possibility of this being his last game with the Yankees, he described it as a “tough one” to end on but maintained that no team holds an advantage as he enters free agency.
Soto is unique in his willingness to recognize his individual achievements, knowing that they will determine his value. Following his best season, people have been wondering why he would leave the Yankees, with whom he thrived especially playing alongside Aaron Judge. He is expected to finish among the top five in American League MVP voting. He spoke fondly of the 2024 Yankees, saying the year would stay in his heart for the rest of his life. However, he remained uncertain about the following year.
Though a close teammate admitted to having no idea of what Soto wants from his free agency, he suggested that Soto truly enjoyed his time as a Yankee. Importantly, the Yankees were not Soto’s first choice in 2024; he joined them because they pursued him with the belief that he could be their missing piece for a championship chase. Nonetheless, Soto appreciated being part of a team consistently in the playoffs.
While there is a notion that New York’s strong Dominican roots and location offer the Yankees and Mets a competitive edge, Soto gave this little importance in his decision-making process. Instead, what really mattered was the Yankees’ impressive core of players. Regardless of his final decision, Soto expressed his affection for his teammates and gratitude for the connections he had made. The Yankees fans and his teammates have been vocal in their desire for him to stay, with Jasson Domínguez even recommending that he should receive $700 million to remain.
The Yankees, their fans, and the players are eager to keep Soto, considering the immense value he brings to the team. His possible departure in 2025 could seriously deplete their roster. Fans have already started envisioning the coming decade with him and Judge at the top of the order. In terms of this fan support influencing his final decision, Soto admitted that it could impact the Yankees’ ownership’s choices. He also expressed his gratitude for the fans’ unwavering support.
Soto’s agent, Scott Boras, is known to draw out free agency proceedings for his major clients, but Soto expressed his indifference to this possibility. At the same time, he did not commit to giving the Yankees the final chance to match any offer in free agency. Despite his noncommittal stance, Soto didn’t rule out the possibility of returning to the Yankees, but he stated that he plans to consider all offers coming his way. Meanwhile, Yankees manager Aaron Boone hopes that Soto will sign a long-term contract with the team.
