Kay reveals why Yankees fans ‘dead wrong’ about Juan Soto, expert puts him above Judge

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Slugger Juan Soto is doing parleys with multiple teams with an eye on inking the biggest annual-value contract in MLB history. After getting ample support from the New York Yankees fans while playing in 2024 in pinstripes, he seems open to considering offers from their most hated rivals the Red Sox and the Mets.

Among fans in the Bronx, who showered immense love for Juan Soto, speculation has grown that the outfielder might prioritize continuity and accept a deal below market value to remain with the Yankees. This sentiment reflects optimism about his future with the team but has also raised questions about the gap between fan expectations and the financial realities of free agency.

Michael Kay, the Yankees’ longtime television broadcaster, addressed this during an appearance on The Views from 314ft podcast with Chris Kirschner and Randy Wilkins. Kay acknowledged the fan enthusiasm but cautioned against underestimating the competitive nature of the market for Juan Soto, emphasizing that economic considerations will likely play a critical role in his decision.

During his podcast appearance, Kay provided a measured take on Juan Soto‘s upcoming free agency decision, highlighting the complexities of balancing player loyalty with financial priorities. While Kay acknowledged that Juan Soto’s favorable experience with the Yankees could weigh heavily if contract offers were comparable, he cautioned fans against expecting a significant hometown discount. He pointed out that Juan Soto’s choice of Scott Boras as his agent signaled a focus on maximizing financial returns, with the possibility of pursuing a record-setting deal.

“If Soto loved being a Yankee and the numbers are close I think that’s where they win out,” Kay explained. “Where fans are actually dead wrong, they think he wants to go to the Yankees and he’s going to take less money — well when you have Scott Boras as your agent, you have Scott Boras for a reason. Scott’s going to try to get you the top dollar, try to set money records, and things like that.”

The Yankees appear to hold a distinct edge in the competitive pursuit of Juan Soto during free agency, stemming from their ability to integrate him into the team during the 2024 season. Unlike other interested organizations navigating introductory meetings with the star outfielder, the Yankees already have firsthand knowledge of Juan Soto’s on-field impact and clubhouse presence.

Earlier this month, General Manager Brian Cashman expressed uncertainty about whether the Yankees would need to conduct a formal meeting with Juan Soto, even as rival teams began talks with his agent, Scott Boras. This advantage contrasts sharply with the efforts of teams like the Boston Red Sox, who recently held a three-hour meeting with Juan Soto, according to MassLive.com’s Sean McAdam. While productive, such meetings cannot replicate the depth of understanding gained from a full season of working with a player.

Kay analyzed the financial stakes, noting that a marginal difference—such as $1 million annually—might not deter Juan Soto from re-signing with the Yankees. However, he argued that a larger gap, such as $5 to $10 million per year, could significantly influence the decision. He emphasized that Juan Soto, at this stage of his career, appears driven by achieving a historic contract.

“I think if there’s a million dollar a year difference, I do think he enjoyed his time with the Yankees, he’ll probably sign with the Yankees,” Kay added. “But I think if it’s a $5 or $10 million a year difference each year, I think he’ll go. I think he’s a guy who wants to make the most money and set records.”

The 26-year-old outfielder bolstered his value with an outstanding 2024 campaign for the Yankees, hitting a career-high 41 home runs and driving in 109 RBIs. Juan Soto also led the American League with 128 runs scored and posted an elite .419 on-base percentage, all while guiding New York to its first World Series appearance since 2009. These accomplishments have positioned him as a strong contender to secure one of the largest free-agent deals in MLB history.

According to industry insiders, three teams—the Toronto Blue Jays, the New York Mets, and the Yankees—are scheduled to meet with Juan Soto this month in California, underscoring the high-stakes competition for his signature.

Analyst claims Juan Soto better than Judge

Juan Soto’s free agency is set to dominate the offseason, with the star outfielder positioned to potentially secure a historic deal. Industry insiders now project his minimum contract value at $600 million, underscoring his unparalleled stature in the market.

The New York Yankees, who acquired Juan Soto during the 2024 season, are widely viewed as the favorites to retain him. However, competition is heating up, with teams like the New York Mets, Boston Red Sox, and Toronto Blue Jays emerging as serious contenders.

Former MLB catcher Erik Kratz weighed in on Juan Soto’s potential contract during a recent episode of Foul Territory. Kratz predicted the Yankees could offer a 14-year deal worth $602 million, translating to an average annual value (AAV) of $43 million. He argued that any offer from the Yankees must recognize Juan Soto’s exceptional value relative to Aaron Judge. Kratz noted that merely exceeding Judge’s $40 million AAV by a small margin wouldn’t reflect the magnitude of Juan Soto’s contributions and market demand.

Juan Soto’s negotiations are being spearheaded by Scott Boras, a master of maximizing his clients’ value through methodical and strategic discussions. Boras’s history suggests that his focus will likely be on surpassing Judge’s record-setting contract, both in total value and AAV.

Kratz emphasized that for the Yankees to succeed in retaining Juan Soto, they must demonstrate their commitment both financially and symbolically. He proposed that positioning Juan Soto’s annual value at least $3 million above Judge’s would send a clear message about the organization’s belief in his exceptional talent and market impact.

The New York Yankees may be leading the race to retain Juan Soto, but the New York Mets have positioned themselves as formidable challengers, leveraging owner Steve Cohen’s substantial financial clout. Cohen’s willingness to spend aggressively has already reshaped the Mets’ approach to roster building, and Juan Soto appears to be their latest high-profile target.

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