"You never rule out any team" - Juan Soto reflects on impending free agency while gunning for World Series title with Yankees
Juan Soto's impending free agency has been a hot topic of discussion among MLB fans. Soto shared that he has no idea where he will play next season. The 25-year-old said he is enjoying his spell with the Yankees and remains focused on winning a championship with the team this year.
The New York Yankees traded for Juan Soto from the San Diego Padres on a one-year, $31 million deal before he becomes a free agent for the first time in his career. Soto is having an excellent campaign and earned his fourth All-Star selection this year. The left-handed slugger is putting up a historic season for the Yankees alongside Aaron Judge, with both players adding over 100 RBIs.
According to Marino Panchano of LasMayoras.com, the official Spanish website of the MLB, Juan Soto is not yet ready to commit his future to the Yankees, even though he is thoroughly pleased with his time at the ballclub.
“I can’t lie, [the Yankees] have made me feel like home,” Soto said. “But of course, there are options. You never rule out any team. I’ve felt very comfortable since I got here, and we really have to wait and see what happens in free agency. But yes, I’ve felt really comfortable where I am right now.”
“My expectation is winning a championship, so we’re not there yet,” he said. “But without a doubt, I’ve been happy with the organization, how they’ve made me feel. But we still have to meet that one expectation -- winning a championship. That’s No. 1.”
The Yankees are within touching distance of the playoffs and have an 85-62 record at the top of the American League East.
Juan Soto lauds Yankees captain Aaron Judge
Juan Soto is lagging behind Aaron Judge in the MVP race, with the latter leading the MLB in every slugging category. The Yankees fans are desperate for Soto to extend his stay in the Bronx, as the crowd at Yankee Stadium chanted his name some weeks ago during a game while Judge joined in with them.
“Aaron is a tremendous teammate. He always gives me some sort of gesture to listen to what they’re yelling," Soto said. “At the end of the day, I let him know that I definitely hear it. But we always try to have fun with what we do out there.”
Juan Soto has batted .289/.418/.577 for the season with an OPS of .995. He has recorded 71 extra-base hits in 143 games, including a career-best 39 home runs and 101 RBIs. He added another feather in his cap with his first career walk-off hit for the Yankees against the Boston Red Sox in Bronx on Thursday.