Yankees rely on Boone’s influence to bring back Juan Soto in crucial meeting next week

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With his 2025 return as Yankees manager set, Aaron Boone’s mission now shifts to a critical task: helping the team re-sign Juan Soto, the free agent centerpiece of this offseason.

Boone confirmed Monday that he’ll be joining the Yankees’ ownership delegation, led by Hal Steinbrenner, on a trip to California next week. Their target: convincing Soto to remain in New York despite fierce competition from other clubs, including the Mets, who are set to send a team featuring owner Steve Cohen.

“Watching Juan on the field this season was something special,” Boone shared. “But more than that, getting to know him personally and managing him made this past season a real pleasure. I’ll be there next week, and I’d absolutely love to keep him in pinstripes.”

Yankees eye historic deal as Juan Soto enters free agency

Juan Soto, who just turned 26, is one of the most coveted players to enter free agency in years, combining age with a rare blend of plate discipline and power. The deal he lands is expected to exceed $500 million and could challenge Shohei Ohtani’s recently structured $700 million contract in terms of overall value. While teams like the Blue Jays, Giants, Dodgers, and Phillies are reportedly interested, industry sources peg the Yankees and Mets as the frontrunners.

Reflecting on the upcoming negotiations, Boone added a cautious optimism: “It’s tough to know where this will end up. But we’re going to put our best foot forward and make a strong case. I want Juan back, but whatever happens, I know the Steinbrenner family and the front office will keep us in a position to compete for a championship.”

Soto’s impact in his first year with the Yankees left little doubt he was a franchise-changing presence. After arriving with Trent Grisham from the Padres in exchange for five players, Soto racked up career highs with 41 home runs, posting numbers that landed him in the top three across multiple offensive categories. He continued to thrive in October, with his 10th-inning three-run homer in the ALCS pushing the Yankees into their first World Series since 2009. His postseason surge saw him hitting .327 with a 1.102 OPS over 14 games, cementing his status as a Bronx favorite.

As the Yankees prepare to pitch Soto on an extended future in New York, Boone is counting on the rapport built this season. “I’ll be myself, and I’ll let the meeting take its natural course,” he said. “Now that Juan’s a free agent, I’m sure he’ll have questions. My goal is to reinforce just how much we value him, not only as a player but as a person.”

Boone’s place in the dugout is set for 2025, though his longer-term future remains in question. He revealed there hasn’t been any movement on a contract extension, commenting, “We’ll see if there’s any more dialogue.” He also hinted at potential coaching staff changes, confirming at least one shift without specifying details.

Securing Soto could shape the Yankees’ outlook for years, and Boone’s role in the pitch underscores how crucial this decision is for the franchise’s path forward.

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