Juan Soto made headlines with a significant comment about his looming free agency after a standout performance in the team’s 11-2 win over the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park. The victory brought the Yankees within one win of clinching a playoff berth.
His two-run homer in the fourth inning was especially meaningful, as it completed Juan Soto’s goal of hitting a home run in all 30 active MLB ballparks. The 25-year-old expressed pride in reaching this milestone, calling it an ideal way to approach his upcoming free agency.
Having traded for Juan Soto in the offseason, the Yankees are hoping their efforts to make him feel at home will influence his future decision. They made an early statement by agreeing to a record-setting $31 million arbitration deal for 2024. The team also believes that Soto has enjoyed batting alongside Aaron Judge and has embraced the support of Yankees fans.
However, Juan Soto’s remarks suggested he is already thinking ahead to free agency, where he is expected to be one of the most sought-after players across the league.
Back in May, Juan Soto’s agent, Scott Boras, minimized the importance of his client’s comfort in New York, pointing to Juan Soto’s ability to perform well in various stadiums, much like Bryce Harper did before signing with Philadelphia. Boras indicated that as many as 14 teams could be a good fit for Soto, given his proven success in multiple environments.
“I kind of look at performance levels,” Boras explained then. “But here’s the problem with Juan Soto: When I did Bryce Harper’s contract — I focus on Bryce because he had over a 1.000 OPS in Philadelphia. I said, ‘I’m going to look at that with Juan.’ The problem is 14 teams fit that mold. Juan is comfortable in a lot of places.”
As the offseason approaches, Juan Soto’s free agency is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched storylines in baseball.
Juan Soto reached a significant career milestone by hitting a home run in every active Major League Baseball ballpark, a personal goal he had set earlier in the year. After joining the Yankees and the American League, Soto had the chance to achieve this feat, following six seasons in the National League with the Washington Nationals and San Diego Padres.
The slugger expressed pride in the accomplishment, reflecting on the effort it took to reach this point. The milestone was even more special as it came with his 40th home run of the season—a career first—and his 200th overall.
Juan Soto loves Yankees
Juan Soto’s home run off Mariners starter Bryan Woo helped the Yankees extend their lead to 6-1, ultimately sealing a crucial 11-2 victory. The win brought the Yankees’ magic number to clinch a playoff spot down to just one, with two games remaining in the series against Seattle.
The victory also strengthened the Yankees’ hold on first place in the AL East, increasing their lead to four games over the second-place Baltimore Orioles, who fell to the San Francisco Giants. With 11 games left in the regular season, the Yankees are in a strong position for a playoff run.
As Juan Soto approaches free agency, his postseason experience with the Yankees could play a pivotal role in his decision-making. The team likely hopes that a deep October run will influence his future plans.
Juan Soto and Aaron Judge have joined an elite group of Yankees duos this season, becoming just the third pair of teammates in franchise history to each hit 40 home runs in a single season. The only others to accomplish the feat were Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig, and Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris. Judge leads all of MLB with 53 homers.
Juan Soto expressed pride in reaching this milestone, stating that from the moment he arrived at Yankees spring training, his goal was to carve out a place alongside these legendary figures. He conveyed a deep sense of satisfaction and honor in being part of such a historic achievement.
“Since I got here in spring training,” Juan Soto said, “my goal was to put my name close to those history books and be proud of it. Now, being up there and being with those guys, it feels very cool. It’s an honor. It’s tough to really put into words. Those are baseball legends you’re talking about.”
Judge echoed similar sentiments, acknowledging the gravity of being mentioned with such iconic Yankees. He also praised Soto’s accomplishments, noting that hitting 40 home runs, reaching 200 career homers, and hitting a home run in every MLB ballpark at such a young age is remarkable. Judge spoke highly of Soto’s potential, expressing excitement for what’s ahead in Soto’s already impressive career, “What a career he’s having, what a year he’s having and definitely looking forward to more than that the rest of this year.”
Yankees manager Aaron Boone lauded Soto as a “special hitter,” emphasizing that Soto’s age—just 25—often goes unnoticed. Boone hinted that Soto might only be beginning to tap into his full potential, suggesting that even greater achievements could lie ahead.
However, the uncertainty surrounding Juan Soto’s future looms large. As he approaches free agency, his remarks on Tuesday left the door open to possibilities beyond New York, fueling speculation about whether his prime years will be spent with the Yankees or elsewhere.
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His agent, Scott Boras, needs a big W after last winter. Altuve demanding to sign an extension this Spring didn’t do him any favors. If the Yankees offer Soto a 12 yr, $576M deal, and that gets turned down publicly, Boras will have a problem. Because, the truth is, how much more can Soto get. As better a defender he has shown himself to be, he still is a liability out there in the field and his bat can only make sure he plays in the field for so long. What happens if in the playoffs he badly misplays a fly ball? The only thing he has on Judge is that he is about 6 years younger.