"There hasn't been a guy like that, maybe Aaron Judge" - MLB analyst praises Juan Soto's mature free agency approach despite polarizing reputation
Juan Soto has a reputation for intimidating pitchers on the plate, but off the field, MLB analyst Jessica Kleinschmidt believes the outfielder is mature for the way he is handling his free agency this offseason.
Discussing Soto's approach toward free agency on "The Baseball Insiders" podcast, Kleinschmidt said Soto is smart for asking about the prospective team's farm system and long-term approach before deciding on his future.
"I think from the trajectory of things, Juan Soto is being very smart about this too," Kleinschmidt said. "I love that he’s curious about the farm system and how that’s going to look in the next 10 or 11 years.
"We know the focus is on the money, and rightfully so, but we often forget — or maybe we don’t forget because we know — that these long-term contracts rarely look good after the first four or five years. Injuries happen; we know that," she added.
Kleinschmidt also compared Juan Soto's maturity to his Yankees teammate Aaron Judge, who also had in-depth questions when he was a free agent in 2022.
"I really respect the business side of how Soto is handling all of this," Kleinschmidt added. "His makeup is unique. There hasn’t really been a player like him — maybe Aaron Judge, but it’s still different with Soto. He’s not approaching free agency in the typical way. He’s more mature and introspective while still being a polarizing player. It’s hard to define him."
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Jessica Kleinschmidt wants teams to sign Juan Soto as he "deserves" it
Juan Soto's sweepstakes are entering its final stretch with a decision around the corner. What Soto reportedly wants is a 15-year, $700 million deal, while franchises are reportedly willing to give him approximately $630 million for a 13 to 14-year deal.
However, Kleinschmidt believes that even if it means giving Soto an extra $50 million, a franchise should sign him because the 2024 AL MVP finalist is worth it.
"Whatever amount of money you’re planning to give him, I think — like Michael Kay mentioned — you should just add another $50 million," Kleinschmidt said. "From what I’ve seen in my experience covering baseball and spending time in clubhouses, Soto is one of those players who deserves extra not just because of his talent but because of the kind of person he is.
"Soto is the kind of player you’d want to give more money to, simply because of who he is as a person and a professional."
Juan Soto is expected to announce which team he'll be joining during the MLB GM Winter Meetings scheduled to take place from Dec. 8-11 in Dallas.