Juan Soto May Stick Around In New York Longer Than Expected

Juan Soto has been as advertised in his first season as a member of the New York Yankees, displaying his trademark combination of power and patience.

Through the first 45 games of the season, Soto's hitting .302/.403/.517 with nine home runs and more walks than strikeouts. His defense has even improved in New York; after years of being a negative defensive player, he's contributed slightly positive value in 2024. 

Put his well above average batting line and positive defense together, and Soto's been worth 2.3 wins above replacement this year. That's the highest number on the Yankees and top three in the American League. 

Before the start of the season though, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman told fans that he didn't expect Soto to be more than a one-year player, considering he's set to reach free agency this winter.

READ: Yankees Fans Shouldn't Get Too Used To Juan Soto Playing In The Bronx

But some new comments from Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner make it sound like that thinking may have changed after seeing Soto up close for the first two months.

NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 8: Juan Soto #22 of the New York Yankees reacts during the game against the Miami Marlins at Yankee Stadium on April 8, 2024, in New York, New York. (Photo by New York Yankees/Getty Images)

Juan Soto A Yankee For Life?

Steinbrenner appeared on the YES Network podcast, and wasn't shy in sharing his regard for the 25-year-old Soto. Steinbrenner said he hopes to make him a Yankee "for the rest of his career."

As a Scott Boras client though, in-season extension talks are rare, to say the least. Steinbrenner acknowledged those hurdles, but said given Soto's an exception, it's still worth pursuing. 

"I don’t think there's any doubt of that," Steinbrenner said.. "His agent, Scott [Boras], doesn't tend to normally do deals in the middle of a season. Neither do I. I think it can be a distraction. But as I said in Spring Training when I met with [the media], this is a unique situation and a very unique player. So, I wouldn't be shocked if there was a conversation or two had possibly during the course of the season.

"I think it's worth doing at some point. I wanted to give Juan time to really settle in, have a conversation with him at some point and make sure that obviously the most important thing is, is this a place he can see himself for a long time?"

That's a lot more positive than Cashman had been prior to the year, and Steinbrenner has the money to make Soto and Boras an offer they shouldn't refuse. That said, it's a near certainty that Boras wants to break records with a potential Soto contract, something that may only be possible with a bidding war after the season. Potentially between the Yankees and cross town rival Mets.

Soto will hit free agency having just turned 26 in late October, an exceptionally young age for a first time free agent. As we saw with the Dodgers and their massive, $325 million contract, young free agents get a premium because the acquiring team can lock down their peak years. Considering he's well on his way to a hall of fame career, Soto will likely command well over $400 million. Potentially even surpassing the ~$470 million of present day value in Shohei Ohtani's contract.

It sounds though, like if the Yankees get their way, Soto may not get the chance to test the market.