Yankees Expect to Hold Contract Talks With Juan Soto During 2024 Season

The three-time All-Star is off to a great start to the year for the Yankees.

May 11, 2024; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; New York Yankees outfielder Juan Soto (22) hits the ball / Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Yankees expect to hold contract talks with pending free agent outfielder Juan Soto during the season, owner Hal Steinbrenner told Jack Curry on the Yankees News and Views podcast.

Soto, a 26-year-old three-time All-Star, was acquired by the Yankees from the San Diego Padres in the offseason. He's hitting .310 with nine home runs and 34 RBI so far this season.

Steinbrenner disclosing potential contract talks is significant, as Soto is represented by Scott Boras, who is known for having his clients test free agency and not discuss contract extensions while their respective teams are in season. Curry reached out to Boras in light of Steinbrenner's comments, and Boras was open to having discussions with the Yankees owner about Soto.

"Always happy to talk with Hal," Boras texted Curry. "Juan is getting to know the Yankee organization. His singular focus is winning."

It remains to be seen whether or not Soto will remain a member of the Yankees organization long-term, but this latest report challenges the widely held notion that the outfielder was a potential one-year rental as the organization looks to capture its first World Series title since 2009.