"My door is always open" - Juan Soto ready to discuss long-term contract offers with Yankees management
There has been much speculation about Juan Soto's future ever since his trade to the New York Yankees, and he recently expressed his desire to sign a long-term contract with the team. The star outfielder started his career in New York in impressive form and has been one of the outstanding players of the season.
Speaking on a podcast, Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner said that he wants Soto to sign a long-term contract and be a Yankee for life. When asked for a reaction to that comment on Thursday, Soto replied:
"My door is always open... It's really nice to see owners and GMs talking about they want me in their team for whole life. But at the end of the day, I'm focusing on this year."
Juan Soto's trade to the New York Yankees over the winter was one of the biggest moves in the MLB, and while he signed a one-year, $32 million contract to avoid arbitration, he will become a free agent after the season. Considering his performance so far this season, and the fact that he is considered a generational talent, the Yankees will have to offer a huge contract to tie him.
Owner Hal Steinbrenner is no doubt aware of that and wants to secure the outfielder for the long run and see him end his career with the Yankees. That being said, Soto has maintained throughout the season that he, along with his agents, are ready to have contract talks with the Yankees management.
Despite Juan Soto's apparent readiness to talk about a long-term contract, there have been no developments on that front yet. He is represented by super agent Scott Boras, who is known for encouraging his clients to explore free agency. Nonetheless, Soto himself is focused on the pitch and will leave such talks to Boras and his team.
MLB insider believes Yankees could part ways with All-Star infielder to retain Juan Soto next season
As the speculation around Juan Soto's future with the New York Yankees continues to make headlines, The Athletic's Brendan Kuty made some bold claims on the matter. According to the reporter, the New York club might have to consider offloading first baseman Anthony Rizzo to afford Soto's future salary.
Soto is expected to attract a huge contract from whichever MLB team he joins, with current predictions showing a figure over $500 million. Hence, Kuty believes that the Yankees will move on from Rizzo and expect them to permanently move DJ LeMahieu to first base.