Juan Soto He continues from meeting to meeting with each Major League franchise as a free agent looking to sign a million-dollar contract this offseason. Red Sox, Mets, Blue Jays and recently Yankees are the teams that have already spoken with the Dominican.
Without a doubt, the Yankees want Soto to return to the Bronx after the incredible 2024 campaign he played in the striped uniform. Even in the most recent statements by Hal Steinbrenner, owner of the Yankees, he made clear the franchise’s intention with the player.
“We had a good meeting. “It was a very honest dialogue, back and forth, that lasted a couple of hours.”Steinbrenner told SNY about the meeting with Soto, which included team president Randy Levine, general manager Brian Cashman, manager Aaron Boone and senior baseball operations advisor Omar Minaya.
Steinbrenner also made it clear how important Juan Soto would be for the Yankees. Making it clear that the player would have a relationship and role on par with captain Aaron Judge and mound figure Gerrit Cole. Who are also the ones who earn the best within the squad.
“In California we talked about the role Soto would have if he returned next year and “I made it clear that the type of relationship I would like is the type of relationship I have with Gerrit Cole and with Aaron Judge.”highlighted the owner.
Can the Yankees sign Juan Soto?
There is a big difference between wanting and being able to, and it is not enough for the Yankees to just want Soto on their team for 2025. And it is said that the franchise that wants to acquire the services of the Dominican will have to shell out close to $40 million per season.
In the case of the Yankees, the team in 2024 had the third highest payroll in the entire Major Leagues with $314 millions. However, by 2025 and counting Soto’s own departure, the payroll was freed up by about $70 million dollars. This puts the board in a positive position to sign the young Dominican player.
“We are in a better starting position than a year ago. In previous seasons it was not sustainable with similar payrolls and the luxury taxes they produce. But this year we have the ability to hire any player we want to hire.”Steinbrenner made clear.
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