WATCH: Juan Soto & Aaron Judge share smiles as Yankees fans raise "re-sign Soto" chants
New York Yankees slugger Juan Soto has been an indispensable asset to the team during his first season in the Bronx after his trade from the San Diego Padres in the offseason. However, with the four-time All-Star's free agency looming large, there has been a buzz among Yankees fans.
Soto's bromance and partnership with captain Aaron Judge has been a joy to watch for Yankees fans. The duo shared smiles in the outfield in the fifth inning while the crowd at Yankee Stadium started loud chants of "re-sign Soto."
Here's the video:
Juan Soto's addition to the Yankees has not only boosted the offense, but he has also formed an explosive partnership with Aaron Judge. The duo has been a pivotal clog in the team's aspiration of a deep postseason run, chasing their first World Series title since 2009.
However, Soto's free agency in the upcoming offseason is expected to attract offers in the region of $500 million, with Yankees' rivals New York Mets reportedly being a hot contender to land the Dominican slugger.
Fans. though, don't want to part ways with the four-time All-Star, especially after his impact on the team and visible camaraderie with the Yankees captain.
Juan Soto reflects on Yankees crowd chants during series opener
The Yankees made a winning start to their three-game series, taking the first game 6-3 against the Cardinals on Friday. Juan Soto acknowledged the chants from Yankees fans, expressing his surprise at the loudness:
"I never expected that. They've literally been getting loud. It's fun to see those fans getting loud and going crazy.
"Even one of the (Cardinals) players told me that this place is really loud, and it's only a regular-season game. I think that's the most fun part. They can get really loud."
Soto is .293 for the season with 37 home runs and 96 RBIs. He had a multi-hit game on Friday, contributing with a RBI double to bring the Yankees level in the third inning.
However, Yankees rookie catcher Austin Wells took home the plaudits for his multi-homer game in the series opener. He smoked a two-run home run in the third to give the team a two-run lead before adding a 12th home run of the season in the eighth.