"Yankees want him back, and everyone else will want him too" - MLB analyst predicts dramatic run-up to expiration of Juan Soto's one-year contract
It didn't take very long at all for Yankees fans to fall in love with Juan Soto. Despite the fact that the outfielder made his debut with the team a little over three weeks ago, the subject of Soto's future in the Bronx is coming under scrutiny.
After arriving to the Yankees via a trade with the Padres in December, Soto inked a one-year deal worth $31.5 million to avoid arbitration. In many respects, Soto seems to be built for the lifestyle of a Yankees ballplayer. Due to this, many are starting to ponder the long-term future for the three-time MLB walks leader.
In a recent appearance on MLB Central, analyst Jon Morosi discussed the inevitable situation that will emerge when Soto's commitment with the Yankees expires. While Morosi admitted that the Yankees will likely want to re-sign Soto, he also claimed that "everybody else is going to want him too."
""The Yankees want him back, and everybody else is going to want him too..." - @jonmorosi on Juan Soto following the superstar's start in pinstripes. #MLBCentral #RepBX" - MLB Network
Through his first 22 games with the New York Yankees, Juan Soto has hit .337, logged a league-best on-base percentage of .456, and connected for 5 home runs and 20 RBIs. Moreover, his willingness to engage in fans seated in Yankee Stadium's infamous right field stands has further won over the Yankees' faithful.
Coming off a career season in which he hit 35 home runs with the San Diego Padres, the time is high for Soto to cash in on a long-term deal. Despite his obvious skill and desirability, Soto has never inked a deal for longer than a season since making his MLB debut as a member of the 2018 Washington Nationals.
"New day, new series, new team for Juan Soto to beat up. Happy Monday yall" - Ciarra
Continuing his hitting tear is Juan Soto's best strategy for upcoming contract negotions
As Morosi suggested, the competition for Soto will be fierce when his Yankees deal expires.
However, it's ultimately likely that the Yankees will be able to match, if not exceed, any potential other offers. As Yankees GM Brian Cashman recently told MLB.com:
“He comes in here, and everyone knows he was a great player, obviously on a Hall of Fame type track. … “He comes in here, and everyone knows he was a great player, obviously on a Hall of Fame type track"
As stated, the appetite in the Bronx for Juan Soto to remain exists. Now, the young star will need to determine where he wants to play most.