Alex Rodriguez reaffirms his take on Juan Soto’s $500,000,000 value in free agency post Yankees star's ALCS heroics to clinch WS berth
New York Yankees star Juan Soto's impending free agency has been a topic of debate since the Dominican slugger expressed his desire to test the market earlier this season.
The 25-year-old has attracted interest from all corners since arriving in the Bronx from the San Diego Padres in the offseason. His instant impact in the regular season sparked rumors of a contract value of more than $500 million.
When Yankees icon Alex Rodriguez was asked by pdfsportspr's Yances Pujols if Soto was worth that in August, the former MVP replied:
"He's worth everything you want."
Fast forward two months, and the Yankees are playing in the World Series for the first time since 2009, with Juan Soto's clutch three-run home run in ALCS Game 5 playing a crucial role in their progress.
A-Rod shared the clip from the interview in August in his Instagram story, reaffirming his take on Soto's value.
Jazz Chisholm Jr. reveals his valuation of Juan Soto following ALCS heroics
While the former Yankees World Series winner stood his ground on a $500 million deal for Juan Soto, his teammate Jazz Chisholm Jr. is willing to go beyond that valuation.
Following Soto's heroics in ALCS Game 5 on Saturday, Jazz shouted "pay Juan Soto" during a clubhouse interview as the Yankees celebrated their AL pennant win.
When YES network's Meredith Marakovits asked Jazz how much he'd want to pay for Soto in the free agency, he responded without hesitation:
"$700 million."
Juan Soto's free agency could see several teams lining up for his signature, similar to what happened with Shohei Ohtani in the past offseason. However, it seems unlikely that Ohtani's $700 million deal with the Dodgers last year will be eclipsed.
However, if Soto adds a second World Series ring to his resume and a first with the Yankees in his debut season in the Bronx, his contract value might just get pushed a notch higher.
The Yankees' biggest threat are city rivals the New York Mets, who crashed out of the NLCS after six games. The Mets have been rumored with a potential blockbuster move for Soto in the offseason