"WS-bound Yankees remain mum on Juan Soto's future, saving it for another time"
The New York Yankees relinquished a small fortune to the San Diego Padres in exchange for one year of Juan Soto.
Currently, Soto has aided the Yankees in reaching their first World Series in 15 years. However, his status as a looming free agent remains, regardless of the outcome of the series.
On the brink of a highly anticipated World Series showdown between the Yankees and the Los Angeles Dodgers, manager Aaron Boone praised the young slugger but avoided any discussion of his future contract.
\"That is a matter for another day,\" Boone stated. \"Juan has undoubtedly been a central figure for us throughout the year. He hit an incredible home run that secured our spot in the World Series. The most important thing is that we have had the opportunity to get to know Juan this year. He has proven to be an exceptional teammate, a great person, and obviously a great player.
\"I do not believe that he or any of us are currently thinking about that. Our focus is on Game 1 of the World Series, and that is as far ahead as we are looking at the moment.\"
Soto spent part of 2022 and all of 2023 with the Padres before being traded, along with fellow outfielder Trent Grisham, to the Yankees in exchange for five players, including catcher Kyle Higashioka and right-handed pitcher Michael King, who both made significant contributions in the 2024 playoffs.
San Diego also acquired right-handed pitching prospect Drew Thorpe in the trade, who was a key piece in the deal that brought right-hander Dylan Cease from the Chicago White Sox.
However, Soto has been a major asset for the Yankees. He hit three home runs during the American League Championship Series and hit a go-ahead three-run homer in Game 5 to secure the Yankees' victory over the Cleveland Guardians.
This performance was preceded by a regular season in which Soto batted .288 with a career-high 41 home runs, 109 RBIs, and a league-leading 128 runs. He is also a nominee for the Gold Glove award after playing 145 of his 157 games in right field and six more in left, with a .994 fielding percentage, 10 assists, and only two errors.
\"You never know what it will be like when you bring new players into an organization,\" Boone remarked. \"They are getting to know you, and you are getting to know them. You are trying to integrate them into the culture and fabric of your team. Juan has been amazing.\"
Soto played this season under a $31 million contract, as the two sides avoided arbitration back in January. It is expected that he will earn a much higher salary on his next contract, whether with the Yankees or on the open market.
Captain Aaron Judge stated that the Yankees have bigger priorities than trying to convince Soto to stay in New York.
\"I am confident that when the time comes and this is all over, he will make the right decision,\" Judge said.
Game 1 starter Gerrit Cole also commented that he has not discussed Soto's free agency with him.
\"I have certainly left him alone on that topic,\" Cole said. \"I would love to see him stay. He is a fantastic player and an incredible talent. Hopefully, the actions of this organization, his teammates, and everyone involved with this club will speak for themselves in terms of how much we want him and what he means to us, especially while he is here.\"