MLB Insider: New York Yankees' Superstar Destined To Reach Free Agency

This MLB insider is predicting that this New York Yankees' superstar will hit free agency next winter, as opposed to signing an extension.

There has been no buzz surrounding a possible extension between the New York Yankees and newly acquired superstar outfielder Juan Soto.

And don't expect talks to pick up anytime soon.

According to MLB insider Ken Rosenthal, the expectation is that Soto will test the waters after playing out this upcoming season in the Bronx on the final year of his arbitration.

"I expect he's going to hit the open market and do really, really well," Rosenthal told Foul Territory.

"I expect he's going to hit the open market and do really, really well."@Ken_Rosenthal says not to expect the @Yankees to sign Juan Soto to an extension before free agency

▶️ https://t.co/rreNnFiGPn pic.twitter.com/XEbAkqne8X

— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) February 13, 2024

Back during the 2022 season, Soto turned down a long-term extension worth $440 million, which led to the Washington Nationals' decision to deal him to the San Diego Padres at the deadline in a blockbuster move. And while Soto might not draw the same $700 million contract that two-way phenom Shohei Ohtani landed from the Los Angeles Dodgers this offseason, he will still likely sign a contract in the $500-600 million range given his prowess. 

Soto is also a client of Boras Corp, represented by super agent Scott Boras. Historically, Boras encourages his clients to bet on themselves in free agency, but he has completed his fair share of contract extensions as well. In this case, Soto is a generational talent, and just 25-years-old. So all signs are pointing towards the superstar hitting free agency next year to get a historic type deal instead of settling for one team's best offer, which would be the Yankees at this point in time.

Time will tell whether the Yankees decide to make an attempt at approaching Soto about an extension, which would usually occur during spring training and not in the regular season, but it doesn't appear to be a priority for either side at the moment.