Juan Soto, a superstar slugger, is open to in-season negotiations with the New York Yankees, but they may not be the only team interested.
Prior to Friday night’s game against his previous team, the San Diego Padres, Soto informed reporters that his counsel “ain’t closing any doors” on his upcoming free agency.
“We’re going to be open to listening to anybody and everybody,” Soto remarked, according to Sammy Levitt of 97.3 The Fan. “Whoever wants to talk about business and everything, I’m willing to deal with anyone. “I have no problem with that.”
Soto also admitted that it might never reach that position. He hinted that a contract with the Yankees may be completed before he enters the free agent market.
“That’s going to be in the future,” Soto said of potential free agent negotiations. “We’ll see if we can make it to the future.” But right now, I’m focused on 2024, and I’m a member of the Yankees. I’m a Yankee right now, and my goals for 2024 are very clear: win a championship here.
The Yankees acquired Soto in an offseason trade with the Padres, understanding that he could have a one-and-done season. However, considering Soto’s incredible success this season, the Bombers should sign him before any type of bidding war begins.
The problem, however, is that Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner believes the present payroll is unsustainable.
“I’m gonna be honest, payrolls at the levels we’re at right now are simply not sustainable for us financially,” Steinbrenner remarked, according to Dan Martin of the New York Post. “It wouldn’t be sustainable for the vast majority of ownership [groups], given the luxury tax we have to pay.”
With Soto set to demand a sizable salary, the Yankees will need to get creative with their books if they want to keep him. One option is a delayed contract, similar to what Shohei Ohtani agreed to with the Los Angeles Dodgers, although Soto would also have to sign off on it.
