New York Yankees' GM Expects Superstar To Reach Free Agency, Extension Unlikely
The 2024 season will be a significant one for superstar outfielder Juan Soto, who is playing his first, and possibly lone campaign for the New York Yankees.
After landing in the Bronx as a result of a blockbuster trade during winter meetings back in December, Soto is entering his final year of arbitration, where he will make a record-setting $31 million.
But don't expect him to sign anything long-term with the Yankees prior to next winter, as it sounds like he is destined to hit the free agent market when his contract is up after the season.
As Yankees general manager Brian Cashman told MLB Network's Jon Morosi, "the odds are this is a one-year situation," regarding Soto's status with the team.
This should come as no surprise since Soto is represented by mega agent Scott Boras, who has gotten some notably hefty extensions done in the past, but typically encourages his clients to test the waters in free agency. For Soto, the latter strategy makes sense given he is just 25-years-old and projected to ink a historic long-term deal in the neighborhood of $500-600 million.
Should Soto produce a big season this year with the Yankees, the team would face a lot of pressure to retain him and would likely be super aggressive in trying to keep him.
As Cashman alluded to, a big year in the world's largest market could help aid the Yankees in completing a long-term deal with Soto. But don't expect Soto or Boras to take any type of discount to stick around given the fact that he is a generational talent.
Since bursting onto the scene as a 19-year-old phenom in 2018 with the Washington Nationals, Soto has been one of the best hitters and all-around players in the game. He also has a World Series ring, helping Washington knock off the Houston Astros in 2019. At this stage of his career, he has basically accomplished it all, despite being just 25. The last box to check is a life-changing contract, which appears to be on the horizon.
Whether it comes with the Yankees or someone else, Soto will get his massive payday. But his new deal will more than likely come in free agency next winter, as opposed to signing a long-term extension to stay in the Bronx prior to the free agent period.
