According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Yankees made a “great pitch” to the American League MVP finalist, and “they accomplished what they needed to” during their Monday meeting.
According to Heyman, Soto was pleased to learn that if he re-signed with the Yankees, he would have a tight relationship with owner Hal Steinbrenner. The Yankees acquired the multiple-time All-Star in a blockbuster trade with the San Diego Padres prior to the 2024 season.
“And word is [Soto] felt better about Steinbrenner and the Yankees after their meeting, when MLB’s most marquee franchise also emphasized their edge over everyone else in revenue, tradition and brand,” according to Heyman.
The Yankees are among the teams that have met with Soto. Other teams include the New York Mets, Los Angeles Dodgers, Boston Red Sox, and Toronto Blue Jays.
Steinbrenner utilized Aaron Judge and Gerrit Cole as conduits to check on Soto’s performance during the season, stating he “didn’t want to disrupt Juan’s routine.”
New York Yankees are ‘encouraged’ after meeting with Juan Soto
According to Bob Klapisch of NJ Advance Media, the Yankees were “encouraged” after meeting with Soto in person.
“The Yankees came away from a meeting with Juan Soto on Monday feeling positive about their chances of signing the slugger to a long-term contract, according to a person with knowledge of the meeting,” Klapisch said.
Soto is anticipated to command a contract for $600-million or more. With this transaction, he has the potential to set records for both the highest present-day total value and annual average value.
Soto enjoyed one of the best years of his career after moving to the Bronx. He hit 41 home runs, led the AL with 128 runs scored, drove in 109, and had a.989 OPS with a 7.9 WAR.
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