Waldman to Yankees: Don’t break the bank for Juan Soto

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Yankees radio voice Suzyn Waldman recently voiced caution over the potential pursuit of Juan Soto at a steep price during an appearance on “Maggie and Perloff.” 

While Waldman praised Soto’s outstanding talent, she raised concerns about his defensive fit in right field and the implications for Aaron Judge, who would likely shift to center field. Waldman questioned the prudence of investing heavily in one player, stressing that the Yankees need to address multiple roster needs to avoid the pitfalls that plagued them last season.

“[Juan Soto] is really something,” she said. “What he is not, is a right fielder … Are you really going to break the bank for Juan Soto and still have to put Aaron Judge in center field?… Everyone is so focused on Juan Soto. There are eight other positions on the field that you can’t fill right now … If you don’t fill those positions correctly you’re gonna replay this year.”

Highlighting that eight positions still need attention, Waldman argued that the front office must prioritize balanced roster construction. She also pointed out that bolstering pitching depth and reducing fundamental errors—like those that cost them during the fifth inning of World Series Game 5—should be key offseason goals.

Soto wants Yankees deal at $700 million

Reports from The Post’s Jon Heyman suggest Juan Soto is targeting a compensation package in the vicinity of $700 million, approaching but distinct from Shohei Ohtani’s landmark deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers that included $680 million in deferred payments over ten years. This requires the Yankees to make a significant financial commitment.

The market for Soto has already heated up significantly, with Heyman noting that eleven teams had expressed interest by Thursday morning, just hours after the Yankees’ World Series elimination in Game 5. At just 26 years old, having celebrated his birthday on October 25, Soto’s status as a generational talent has predictably generated intense interest across the league.

Jim Bowden of The Athletic suggests the Yankees are prepared to match competing offers from other major market teams, including the Mets and Dodgers, potentially reaching $622 million. Such an investment would pair Soto with Aaron Judge long-term, establishing a formidable offensive core. While his representative Scott Boras examines all proposals, indications point to the Yankees’ willingness to make a historic commitment.

A successful signing would make Soto the highest-paid Yankee ever, surpassing both Aaron Judge’s $360 million and Gerrit Cole’s $324 million contracts. However, the Yankees’ ability to set the market rate remains uncertain.

Following Game 5 of the World Series, Soto expressed openness to negotiations with the Yankees, stating he would maintain dialogue with all interested parties and specifically welcomed discussions with his current team.

Coming off a career-best season in pinstripes, Soto’s impending free agency decision carries significant implications. The Yankees may need to exceed their traditional financial boundaries to retain him in the Bronx.

This free agency period shapes up as particularly consequential, with Soto’s decision potentially influencing MLB’s competitive landscape for years. The Yankees’ aggressive pursuit signals their view of Soto as integral to their long-term vision, setting the stage for what could be a transformative offseason across the league.

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