It’s widely reported that the Yankees are gearing up to make a strong effort to secure Juan Soto for the long term. At just 25 years old, Soto is considered a generational talent still in the early years of his prime.
Many teams are eager to sign him, but if Soto contributes to a deep playoff run for the Yankees, managing partner Hal Steinbrenner could be inclined to offer a massive contract. A deal exceeding $500 million is plausible, though the Yankees will face stiff competition from their cross-town rivals, the Mets, in what could be an intense bidding war.
Soto’s Remarkable Season
This year, Soto is having one of the best seasons of his career. In 152 games, he’s posted a .287/.418/.572 slash line with a career-high 40 home runs and 104 RBIs. Notably, he’s maintained a higher walk rate than strikeout rate, and his 179 wRC+ is a career-best, excluding the shortened 2020 season. His 7.9 WAR is also a career-high, highlighting his immense value.
Despite a reputation as a defensive liability, Soto has been surprisingly competent in the outfield this season. Over 1,242.2 innings in right field, he’s recorded -1 defensive runs saved and -4 outs above average. While slightly below average, his defense has been acceptable given his exceptional offensive performance.
A Dynamic Duo with Aaron Judge
Already a World Series champion, Soto’s presence in the Yankees’ lineup alongside Aaron Judge could set the stage for years of dominance. While Judge remains the top offensive player in the game, his age is becoming a factor. Pairing him with a younger star like Soto creates a powerful offensive duo—one that would surely make the late George Steinbrenner proud.
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