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

The trade of Juan Soto to the New York Yankees was one of the biggest stories of the MLB offseason. 

Acquiring Soto without giving up one of the team's top prospects was widely viewed as a coup for the Yankees, who revamped their outfield in an attempt to return to the postseason. But Soto is set to become a free agent at the end of the 2024 season, and based on some recent remarks from general manager Brian Cashman, his time in the Bronx might be shorter than expected.

Cashman spoke to the media earlier this week, and said "the odds are this is a one-year situation" with Soto. 

"I don't see too many things stopping him from reaching free agency," Cashman continued.

Exactly the kind of hopeful, exciting message fans want to hear about their new star player as spring training kicks off, isn't it?

SAN DIEGO - Juan Soto of the San Diego Padres at bat during a game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at PETCO Park on Sept. 5, 2022. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)

Juan Soto Unlikely To Sign Extension In New York

It's not all Cashman's fault, though he could have been a bit more tactful in his response. Soto is represented by super agent Scott Boras, who is well known for dragging out the free agency process as long as possible in order to get every available dollar. This offseason, that's meant that big name stars like Blake Snell and Cody Bellinger remain unsigned, even with all 30 teams at their spring training facilities.

READ: What The Heck Is Happening With Unsigned MLB Free Agents Blake Snell And Cody Bellinger?

And Boras will undoubtedly want to make Soto his biggest signing yet.

Normally, players reach free agency well into their late-20's or even at 30 or older. Snell, for example, is already 31. But because he debuted at just 19, Soto will play the entirety of the 2024 regular season at age 25. Not only is he one of the sport's best players, but he'll be one of the youngest big name free agents in decades. For Boras, that's got all the makings of a bidding war, not an in-season extension that might limit his market.

The Shohei Ohtani sweepstakes showed that unexpected teams like the Toronto Blue Jays or San Francisco Giants were willing to jump into the bidding in order to secure a generational talent. Soto doesn't offer the same versatility that Ohtani does, and his extremely poor defensive ratings might drag his value down a bit, but his offensive prowess and age will make him one of the most expensive players in MLB history. And Brian Cashman clearly doesn't see the Yankees offering enough to lock him down during the season.

Enjoy it while it lasts, Yankees fans.