Juan Soto signs record Yankees salary deal, pips Ohtani by $1M
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Follow UsThe New York Yankees have inked a record-breaking salary deal with Juan Soto, the dynamic young slugger renowned for his golden bat. On Thursday, both the team and the slugger opted for a one-year contract valued at $31 million, ensuring his captivating presence in the Bronx throughout the upcoming 2024 season.
This groundbreaking agreement surpasses the previous record held by Shohei Ohtani for arbitration-eligible players, firmly establishing Juan Soto’s position among the elite. Ohtani, the remarkable two-way talent, earned $30 million with the Angels last year before securing an extraordinary $700 million contract with the Dodgers during this offseason.
Yankees give Juan Soto record salary
At 25 years old, Juan Soto will become the Yankees’ fourth-highest earner next season, trailing only Aaron Judge ($40 million), Gerrit Cole ($36 million), and Giancarlo Stanton ($32 million). This substantial sum not only reflects his impressive track record but also symbolizes the optimism he brings to the Yankees’ formidable lineup.
Acknowledging the temporary nature of the deal, Yankees GM Brian Cashman stated, “The future is always now.” He expressed confidence that Juan Soto, despite the short-term arrangement, will significantly enhance the team’s performance. Fans expect the Yankees to tie the slugger for long term.
With Juan Soto joining the ranks of Trent Grisham and Alex Verdugo, the Yankees’ budget is experiencing a notable surge. The recent addition of Marcus Stroman’s contract could propel their projected luxury tax payroll beyond $300 million, marking a franchise-first. The team remains on the lookout for another top-tier pitcher, potentially further escalating their expenditure.
This aggressive spending spree underscores the Yankees’ unwavering determination to contend. Having secured contracts for all arbitration-eligible players before the deadline, the team has solidified its core and integrated Juan Soto’s powerful bat, envisioning it as the pivotal piece to complete the championship puzzle. The question of Juan Soto’s long-term stay remains unanswered for now, but the Bronx Bombers are poised for an exhilarating season with the slugger on board.
The 2024 salary figures, as disclosed by The Post’s Joel Sherman and Jon Heyman:
| Player Name | Salary |
| Gleyber Torres | $14.2 million |
| Alex Verdugo | $8.7 million |
| Clay Holmes | $6 million, with a chance to make $50,000 more in performance bonuses |
| Trent Grisham | $5.5 million |
| Nestor Cortes | $3.95 million |
| Jose Trevino | $2.73 million |
| Jonathan Loaisiga | $2.5 million |
| Clarke Schmidt | $2.025 million |
| Victor Gonzalez | $860,000 |
Juan Soto’s future in pinstripes: A billion-dollar question
The buzz surrounding Juan Soto’s commitment to the New York Yankees sparked intense speculation upon his arrival in the Bronx. While a definitive answer to this lingering question remains elusive, a recent development in the form of a record-breaking one-year contract for 2024 has brought some clarity.
Surpassing the previous arbitration record set by Shohei Ohtani, this substantial deal sets the stage for a pivotal year, both for Soto and the Yankees. Despite Aaron Judge maintaining his status as the highest-paid Yankee with a long-term contract, the sizable payday for Juan Soto sends a resounding message: the Yankees are wholeheartedly invested in retaining their emerging star.
Yet, the uncertainty of free agency casts a notable shadow. As November approaches, Juan Soto is poised to command a significant deal in the open market, potentially exceeding $500 million over the span of a decade. Given his agent Scott Boras’s reputation for assertive negotiations, the prospect of a hometown discount seems improbable.
In navigating this uncertainty, the Yankees’ decision to sidestep the often-contentious arbitration process suggests a strategic move. By committing top dollar upfront, they aim to foster goodwill and lay the groundwork for a potential long-term alliance.
The trajectory of Juan Soto’s future remains uncertain. The upcoming 2024 season will be a crucial audition for both parties. Can the Yankees construct a championship-caliber team and persuade the player that the Bronx is his rightful home? Only time will provide the answers, but one thing is evident: the destiny of the franchise pivots on the $500 million question—will Juan Soto continue donning the pinstripes beyond this season?
What do you think? Leave your comment below.
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