“We’d like to see him here for the rest of his career” - Yankees chairman Hal Steinbrenner talks possibility of Juan Soto’s contract extension
The New York Yankees signed Juan Soto this past offseason, and chairman Hal Steinbrenner agreed with the impact the rising star has made since arriving in the Bronx. Soto has been in otherworldly form since making his move to the Bronx, but he didn't come cheap, as Steinbrenner had to propose a one-year, $31 million deal to avoid arbitrations and sign the 25-year-old.
In an exclusive interview with Jack Curry of the YES Network, Yankees chairman Hal Steinbrenner discussed Juan Soto's possibility of staying a Yankee long-term, as he said:
"Well I think we'll like to see him here for the rest of his career. You know his agent Scott [Boras] doesn't tend to normally do deals in the middle of the season neither do I.
"I think it can be a distraction but as I said in spring training when I met with you guys that this is an unique situation and very unique player, so I wouldn't be shocked if there was a conversation or two happening possibly during the course of the season."
Hal Steinbrenner further added that he wanted to give Soto some time to adjust to the Bronx, as he said:
"You know I wanted to give Juan [Soto] time to really be settled in and make sure that obvisouly the most important thing is that this is the place he can see himself for a long time."
Next, Jack Curry asked about Juan Soto's super agent, Scott Boras, and how likely it was to have a conversation to start moving the pieces involved with Soto's extension in the right direction. Hal Steinbrenner replied:
"I think that's something may very well happen. Scott [Boras] and I have a good relationship so whether he takes up the call or picks up the phone and calls me here vice versa that's something that has happened many times in the past and it could certainly happen again."
Juan Soto has bolstered a Yankees unit that went 82-80 last season
Last season was disastrous for a misfiring Yankees unit. They finished 82-80 in the regular season and even failed to clinch a wildcard spot, which is uncanny for the most successful ballclub in the history of the big leagues.
But this past offseason, they signed some big-name players, and the biggest one of them all was the 25-year-old Dominican and former World Series champion with the Washington Nationals, Juan Soto.
Soto has breathed new life into the Yankees roster, as he is batting with an average of .302, nine home runs, 34 RBIs, and .920 OPS in the 2024 MLB season. The Bombers are 30-15 this season and sit atop the AL East standings.
And it's not just his offensive numbers; it's also his defensive abilities in the outfield, his magnanimous way of keeping the crowd engaged, and his ability to maintain good camaraderie that has caught the eye this season.