The Yankees may face fierce bidding-war for superstar outfielder.
When the 2024 season comes to an end, the Yankees face a massive decision regarding superstar outfielder Juan Soto. Ownership has already made it clear they would love to extend him on a long-term deal, but the price tag keeps moving forward, and he may be closing in on $550 million in total.
Yankees’ Financial Strategy and Competition
The Yankees could try to convince him to defer some money, allowing them to spend more in the near term, but he’s earned every penny he’s going to get on the open market, and there will certainly be competition.
At the moment, the Yankees’ crosstown rivals, the New York Mets, have the heavy-hitting Steve Cohen at the helm. Cohen has the financial capacity to sign Soto to a blockbuster deal, but the Yankees are rich enough to match, so it depends on his preference at the end of the day.
Soto’s Performance and Team Chemistry
The Yankees are in a fine spot to extend him long-term, especially since he’s enjoyed his time donning the pinstripes and has become friendly with the majority of players on the team. Everything has been positive so far, and the 25-year-old generational talent continues to show his value.
Soto’s Unmatched Offensive Skills
He’s on pace to break his career-high 35 home runs with ease, posting unbelievable power metrics. Soto ranks in the 100th percentile in xwOBA, xBA, and xSLG. In addition, he hosts a 100th-percentile barrel rate and is one of the most disciplined hitters in the entire sport.
There’s nothing he can’t do offensively, and the Yankees can’t afford to lose his bat in the lineup because there simply isn’t a replacement.
Defensive Improvements
Despite being known as a lackluster defensive player, Soto has completely flipped the script on that narrative. Over 999.1 innings this year, he hosts a .992 fielding percentage with six defensive runs saved, the best in his career by a significant margin.
