Soto is “over the moon” that he’s a Yankee. But how long?
Juan Soto leaned back in his chair and creased the bill of his new Yankees cap. One of baseball’s best hitters had a big smile on his face. Yes, I think this could be a great fit.
She said, “It’s just great.” “I’m really happy to be where I am and to hear about this organization. I hope to be a part of it next season.” I’m thrilled to join the group.
Soto was officially presented by the Yankees on Tuesday in a Zoom video conference. This came six days after the team bought the 25-year-old star to the Padres in a deal for seven other players.
As part of the trade, the Yankees also got outfielder Trent Grisham in return for right-handers Michael King, Jhony Brito, Randy Vásquez, as well as Drew Thorpe, as well as an outfielder.
Soto, who called from Miami, said he was excited to wear his No. 22 purple-and-white shirt. Geraldit Cole, Aaron Judge, Anthony Rizzo, or Gleyber Torres are some of his new peers who have talked to him.
Soto said, “Right now, my main goal is just getting to know the guys.” I’ll try to make friends with those guys, form a strong bond with them, and work toward the same goal from the start.
Soto will be a free agent after the 2024 season, during which he is expected to make $33 million, according to Cot’s Baseball Contracts. People will talk a lot about the future when they talk about him.
Because Soto’s lawyer, Scott Boras, usually tells clients in the same situation to go to the open market, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman reportedly said that the team knows Soto has no guarantees of staying in the Bronx after 2024.
“We know that he’s a free agent in the end of this season, and we know that it could only last for a short time,” Cashman said. “I are sure that he will make our team much better.”
Anyone who heard on Tuesday might have been struck again by Soto’s youth and how much he’s already done. One of the best hitters in the game may still have a lot of success ahead of him.
Getting him to stay for a long time is a pinstriped matter for another time. Right now, Soto’s presence in the lineup helps the Yankees a better team to beat in 2024, and “that’s all I care about,” he said while wearing a fresh Yankees cap.
Before a Zoom news conference, Juan Soto put on a cap with the New York Yankees on it. He said on Tuesday, “It’s just a different feeling,” referring to the fans in the Bronx who are loyal, demanding, and rude.
“There’s no doubt that playing within New York and that stadium gives off a great vibe. The fans and crowd are just amazing.” They really booed me and everything even when they weren’t cheering for me.
Soto was moved to the Yankees last week. He has one year left on his contract before he becomes a free agent.
On Tuesday, he held his first press conference via Zoom, and right away he was asked if he would be willing to sign an extension.
Soto said, “Right now, my main goal is just getting to know the team and the guys.” He logged in under the Zoom name “22,” which is his Yankees number.
“Get to know those guys when I meet them in New York or at the spring training complex in Tampa. I want to build a good friendship with them and really stick with them. On Day 1, try to reach the same goal. That’s what I care about most right now.