Juan Soto discloses past meeting with Yankees owner amid contract uncertainty

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Juan Soto either feels incredibly fortunate, or it’s the Yankees are the lucky ones to have him on board. One thing is certain—Juan Soto is thriving in New York. The slugger’s comfort was on full display despite Friday’s defeat to the Pirates.

There remains uncertainty surrounding his future with the Yankees, but recent reports suggest that significant moves made by the team since July could make Juan Soto more inclined to accept their offer.

Yankees push to keep Juan Soto in New York

Reports from The Athletic indicate the Yankees’ ongoing efforts to secure his future with the team. Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner held a private meeting with Soto back in July as the franchise works to build a stronger bond with their star outfielder before he becomes a free agent. The meeting, which had not been previously reported, took place in a room near the home clubhouse at Yankee Stadium and aimed to convince Soto that New York is where he belongs.

“It was good to get to know the owner, to see what he’s thinking about me and everything,” Juan Soto told The Athletic regarding the meeting.

According to reports, Steinbrenner was keen on learning about Juan Soto’s experience with the Yankees—how he felt about being part of the team and what could be done to improve his time in New York.

These efforts reflect Steinbrenner’s hopes to gain an edge in re-signing Juan Soto, whose contract is expected to be one of the largest in MLB history. During an appearance on a YES Network podcast in May, Steinbrenner stated that he wanted Soto to “remain in pinstripes for the rest of his career.” Soto, for his part, appreciated Steinbrenner’s involvement, noting, “It’s always good to see an owner coming over at least to say hi, see how we’re doing, what we have in mind. It’s great to have an owner that really cares for players.”

Juan Soto, 25, has become a fan favorite during his first year in New York, hitting in front of Aaron Judge and drawing chants of “Re-sign Soto!” from the Yankee Stadium faithful. He has delivered career-high numbers this season, including 41 home runs, 108 RBIs, and a .288 batting average, all while playing solid defense in right field. Beyond the stats, Soto achieved a personal milestone this year by homering in all 30 active MLB stadiums. “What better way to go into free agency than with all 30 ballparks checked off my list,” Soto said.

Reports also suggest that despite the upcoming free agency, Juan Soto has genuinely enjoyed his time in New York, with Aaron Judge being a key figure in making him feel at home in Manhattan. Acquired in a blockbuster trade with the San Diego Padres, Juan Soto has seamlessly integrated into the Yankees clubhouse, sharing moments with Aaron Judge, Gleyber Torres, and Oswaldo Cabrera. When the Yankees clinched a playoff berth last week, Soto celebrated joyously in a champagne-soaked clubhouse alongside his teammates, reflecting how much he values his time with the Yankees.

Yankees fans have made it clear they want Juan Soto to stay, and he has acknowledged their chants with smiles and nods. The Yankees are hoping that these relationships, the bonds formed with teammates, and the gestures from Steinbrenner are enough to convince Soto to sign a long-term deal with the team.

Juan Soto is expected to be one of the most sought-after free agents this offseason, with The Athletic’s Tim Britton projecting a deal worth up to $560 million. However, the experience he has had in New York this season—both on and off the field—could play a decisive role in his future. Reflecting on his time in New York, Soto said, “It’s been great. It was an adjustment when I got here, but shout out to my teammates. They made it really easy for me and made me feel comfortable when I arrived.”

The Yankees are hoping that this sense of comfort and connection will be enough to keep Juan Soto in pinstripes, not just for the 2024 season, but for many years to come.

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