"Everyone learned from Juan Soto; Aaron Judge got even better" - HOFer Tim Kurkjian confident Yankees will retain 4x All-Star in free agency
Juan Soto's spell with the New York Yankees should be enough evidence for the organization's management to go all out for him as he hits free agency this winter. The Yankees might have to break the bank to sign the outfielder's services. Hall of Fame analyst Tim Kurkjian gave his opinion on why the Yankees need to get him back for 2025.
On the The Mayor's Office with Sean Casey podcast, Kurkjian speculated that Soto will be back with the Yankees next year.
"I think he's going to play for the Yankees next year. I think he's a transcendent hitter, I don't think they can let him get away," Kurkjian said.
Kurkjian pointed out that Aaron Judge and Soto's presence in the lineup together will be a major driving force for the team in the future.
"When Soto joined that team, everyone on the team watched him hit and went, 'Well, that's what a professional at-bat looks like.' He didn't chase that pitch, he didn't give up an at-bat by swinging at a bad pitch on the first pitch and everyone has learned from him. Judge was a great hitter, but he's gotten even better with Soto in there," Kurkjian added.
Sean Casey believes Yankees will come close to signing Juan Soto
Host Sean Casey agreed to Tim Kurkjian's words, reinstating that even if the Yankees aren't able to sign Soto, they will at least offer something close to the final offer.
"Seeing Soto and Judge two-three in that lineup, I can't imagine, like moving forward, the Yankees would not try to sign him back and not give him at least close to what the Mets or somebody else is gonna offer him because he's just too good," Casey said.
The New York Mets are expected to be the Yankees' biggest competitors. The Mets have cut down massively their payroll in the last year. They have only $141.8 million in guaranteed payroll for 2025, compared to Yankees' $202.4 million. An exciting battle between the New York teams is expected.