NEW YORK — At 1:27 a.m., Juan Soto stepped out of the New York Yankees’ clubhouse for the final time this season. Simply earlier than exiting, he turned to the clubhouse attendants and provided a last farewell.
“See you guys,” Soto stated.
Thus started the unofficial begin of Soto’s long-awaited free company, with projections that he might command no less than half a billion {dollars} from the franchise that in the end indicators him. His contract might surpass Shohei Ohtani’s common annual worth, particularly contemplating Soto simply turned 26 and is amongst baseball’s most elite gamers.
After fielding quite a few questions on his future, Soto sat at his locker, considering the staggering sum his checking account may attain within the coming months. He isn’t just a generational expertise; he’s poised to earn generational wealth. When requested if it had sunk in that he may earn no less than $500 million, Soto smiled knowingly.
“It’s been on my thoughts for some time now,” he remarked.
Even effectively after the Los Angeles Dodgers clinched the World Collection, Soto remained in full uniform, misplaced in thought as he stared at his locker, attempting to make sense of the Yankees’ disappointing season.
Again in February, Soto was satisfied the Yankees had greater than sufficient expertise to win all of it. Nevertheless, the Dodgers uncovered the vital flaws that plagued the Yankees all 12 months. When Alex Verdugo struck out to seal a 4-1 sequence defeat, Soto lingered within the dugout longer than another participant. Perched atop the bench along with his batting helmet and gloves nonetheless on, he was prepared for a last at-bat that by no means got here. As he watched the Dodgers rejoice, frustration washed over him. Nonetheless, he was capable of specific gratitude for what the Yankees had achieved, even when it didn’t culminate in a championship.
Anthony Volpe is watching the Dodgers rejoice on the highest step. Juan Soto is sitting along with his batting gloves on and helmet. pic.twitter.com/aswS9uCEf7
— Chris Kirschner (@ChrisKirschner) October 31, 2024
He mirrored on the potential of this being his final recreation in pinstripes, calling it a “robust one” to finish on. Regardless of appreciating each second of the 12 months, he maintained that no crew holds a bonus over the others as he enters free company.
“I really feel like each crew has the identical alternatives once I go into free company,” Soto stated. “I wouldn’t say any crew has a bonus. We’ll consider what every has to supply.”
Soto stands out because the uncommon celebrity who brazenly acknowledges his particular person achievements, understanding that his efficiency will dictate his worth. He realizes that he simply completed one of the best season of his profession, elevating the query: Why would he go away the Yankees? He thrived hitting in entrance of Aaron Decide all 12 months and is more likely to end among the many prime 5 in American League MVP voting. Few lineups might supply the sort of safety the Yankees can, not solely enhancing his stats, however rising his probabilities of returning to the World Collection stage.
“This 12 months will keep in my coronary heart for the remainder of my life,” Soto stated of the 2024 Yankees. “It was actually particular. I’m pleased with what I achieved, largely due to Decide. The arduous work I put in through the offseason paid off. I’m pleased with myself and this group as a result of they made it straightforward for me. I’m unsure what subsequent 12 months holds.”
A detailed teammate admitted to The Athletic that he had no inkling of Soto’s intentions in free company, solely merely suggesting that Soto genuinely loved being a Yankee this 12 months. He’s by no means been capable of learn what Soto needs in free company.
It’s essential to notice that the Yankees weren’t Soto’s alternative in 2024. They pursued him, believing he could possibly be the lacking piece for a title run. When it turned clear he would be a part of the Yankees, Soto felt pleasure at being a part of a company constantly in playoff competition — an essential issue for him as he weighs his choices.
Studies recommend Soto may not have even been a Yankee if not for the late Peter Seidler, proprietor of the San Diego Padres, who wished him to stay in San Diego at some point of his profession. Soto informed The Athletic that he was open to signing a long-term extension with the Padres due to how loaded their roster is. He by no means sought a commerce, believing he would play for San Diego in 2024 till the group’s path modified after Seidler’s dying.
Juan Soto and Aaron Decide mixed to turn into one in all baseball’s most formidable duos in 2024. (Alex Slitz / Getty Pictures)
There’s a prevailing notion that New York, with its sturdy Dominican roots and proximity to Soto’s house nation, offers the Yankees and Mets an edge. Nevertheless, Soto downplayed this side in his decision-making course of. What is going to weigh closely on his thoughts within the coming months is the belief that the Yankees possess a formidable core of stars, equal to another group in baseball.
“Leaving a successful crew is all the time troublesome, and this place was really particular,” Soto stated. “I’ve had a blast right here. No matter the place I find yourself, I’ll be comfortable for my teammates and the connections I’ve made. This group is phenomenal. In the long run, we’ll see what occurs.”
Yankees followers have made their wishes clear — they need Soto to stay in pinstripes for everything of his profession. They’ve chanted “Re-sign Soto!” all through the season, arriving at Yankee Stadium with duplicate clean checks bearing his identify. His teammates have publicly lobbied for his return, with Jazz Chisholm Jr. boldly stating he ought to obtain $700 million. Jasson Domínguez expressed his hope to study from Soto, urging the Yankees to do no matter it takes to maintain him.
“You must give him the money,” Domínguez stated earlier within the World Collection. “On the finish of the day, after that at-bat in Cleveland, I’d give him a clean verify. Right here’s no matter you need. Keep right here.”
When requested what recommendation he would give Soto in free company, Giancarlo Stanton’s message was: “Stick with us.”
There’s a palpable sense of urgency throughout the Yankees clubhouse and fan base to retain Soto, recognizing his immense worth. With out him, the Yankees’ roster will likely be depleted in 2025. Followers have already begun to check the subsequent decade alongside him and Decide on the prime of the order.
When requested if the followers’ need for him to remain would affect his determination, Soto acknowledged the influence of their help on the Yankees’ possession.
“In all probability, it is going to influence the choice of possession,” Soto stated. “I’m actually grateful for the followers. They’ve been unimaginable.”
Final offseason, Soto’s agent, Scott Boras, had his 4 greatest shoppers — Matt Chapman, Blake Snell, Jordan Montgomery, and Cody Bellinger — take their free company deep into the method. Soto expressed no concern a few comparable situation this 12 months, suggesting he wouldn’t thoughts if it occurred once more.
He additionally avoided committing to instructing Boras to present the Yankees the ultimate alternative to match any supply in free company, indicating that his single season in New York doesn’t present any clear benefit over different groups.
Soto wouldn’t straight reply whether or not he needs to return to the Yankees subsequent season, stating he plans to contemplate all affords that come his manner. For followers hoping for heat sentiments about his future with the Yankees, his remarks on the ultimate day of the season fell quick.
This uncertainty loomed within the New York clubhouse as Soto sat within the dugout, watching the Dodgers rejoice on Yankee Stadium’s infield. He contemplated what might have been whereas shifting focus to what he referred to as “the subsequent step” in his profession.
For his supervisor, that subsequent step is securing a long-term contract with the Yankees.
“I hope he’s right here perpetually,” Aaron Boone stated.
(High photograph of Soto: Sarah Stier / Getty Pictures)