Insiders Growing Increasingly Skeptical About Juan Soto Re-Signing…

Insiders Growing Increasingly Skeptical About Juan Soto Re-Signing with the Yankees

 

 

As the New York Yankees enter the offseason with high hopes of bolstering their roster for the 2024 season, one of the most anticipated storylines has been the future of outfielder Juan Soto. The San Diego Padres’ slugger has long been rumored as a potential trade target for the Yankees, and the possibility of Soto eventually re-signing with New York has been a topic of intense speculation. However, insiders are now growing increasingly skeptical about the likelihood of a reunion between Soto and the Yankees, suggesting that a marriage between the two may not materialize in the way many once expected.

Soto, who is currently under contract with the Padres, has long been regarded as one of the most talented and coveted players in Major League Baseball. A left-handed hitter with a career .293 batting average and an on-base percentage north of .400, Soto is widely considered one of the top hitters in the game today. He also brings an elite level of power, consistently hitting over 30 home runs and driving in 100+ RBIs in recent seasons. His combination of power, discipline, and overall offensive ability has made him a prime target for several teams, with the Yankees being one of the most frequently mentioned suitors.

For months, Yankees fans have envisioned a scenario in which Soto becomes the centerpiece of their lineup, joining a team that already includes the likes of Aaron Judge, and DJ LeMahieu. The thought of Soto adding his bat to an already formidable Yankees offense has been tantalizing for many. Moreover, the Yankees’ front office, under general manager Brian Cashman, has made it clear that they are looking to make major moves this offseason, particularly after a disappointing 2023 campaign that saw them miss the playoffs. Soto’s name quickly surfaced as one of the most obvious targets, given his age (he’s just 25) and his proven track record.

However, as the offseason progresses, there has been a noticeable shift in sentiment regarding Soto’s future with the Yankees. According to sources familiar with the Yankees’ front-office thinking, many insiders are becoming increasingly pessimistic about the possibility of a long-term deal with Soto. While the Yankees have shown interest in acquiring Soto, both via trade and potentially signing him in free agency, several factors have raised concerns within the organization and around the league.

One of the primary concerns among Yankees insiders is the high asking price that the Padres will likely demand in any trade talks involving Soto. With Soto entering the final year of his contract before hitting free agency in 2025, the Padres will be looking to maximize their return on a player of his caliber. That means New York would likely need to part with a significant package of young talent, potentially including top prospects like Jasson Dominguez, Austin Wells, and Anthony Volpe. While the Yankees have a deep farm system, many within the organization are hesitant to part with such valuable assets, particularly given the uncertainty surrounding Soto’s future after 2024.

Moreover, the Yankees’ front office is reportedly concerned about the long-term financial commitment that would come with re-signing Soto. With a projected payroll that already includes significant contracts for Judge, Stanton, and Gerrit Cole, the Yankees are mindful of their future financial flexibility. Re-signing Soto would likely require a deal that surpasses the $400 million mark, which could stretch the Yankees’ payroll to unprecedented levels. Insiders have suggested that this level of financial commitment may be a stumbling block for the organization, especially given the uncertainty surrounding Soto’s performance in the years to come.

Another factor contributing to the skepticism about Soto’s future in New York is his fit within the Yankees’ organizational culture. While Soto is undeniably a talented player, questions have emerged about his willingness to adapt to the pressure cooker environment that is New York City. Soto has spent the majority of his career in Washington and San Diego, two markets that are notably less demanding than New York. Sources close to Soto have indicated that the young slugger is looking for an environment that supports his desire to be the focal point of an offense, and it remains unclear if the Yankees, with their heavy reliance on other stars like Judge and Stanton, would provide that opportunity.

Further complicating matters is Soto’s relationship with Padres management. Despite the Padres’ disappointing 2023 season, there is still a sense that the team is not ready to part with their star player. The Padres have significant financial resources and are not yet in rebuilding mode. Padres executives, including general manager A.J. Preller, are reportedly committed to building around Soto and have been vocal about their desire to keep him in San Diego long-term. While it remains to be seen whether the Padres will ultimately make Soto available for trade, many insiders believe that the team is still holding out hope of securing an extension with the dynamic outfielder.

While the Yankees remain one of the teams most heavily linked to Soto, insiders now believe that other clubs could emerge as serious suitors in the coming months. The New York Mets, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Chicago Cubs are among the teams that have been mentioned as potential landing spots for Soto, and with free agency on the horizon, the competition for his services could become even more intense. If the Yankees are not able to secure a trade or come to terms on a deal with Soto before he hits the open market, they could face significant competition from these deep-pocketed rivals.

Ultimately, while the Yankees are still rumored to be in the mix for Soto, the growing skepticism among insiders suggests that re-signing him may not be as straightforward as once thought. The combination of a high asking price, the team’s financial concerns, and the uncertainty about how Soto would fit into the Yankees’ culture has led many to believe that the once likely reunion may no longer be as inevitable as it seemed. As the offseason unfolds, it remains to be seen whether the Yankees will be able to land the dynamic outfielder or if they will shift their focus to other targets in an attempt to reshape their roster for the 2024 season.