NY Yankees Aaron Boone Gives Prodigious Report on MVP Star`s Future
New York — With his contract situation now sorted through 2025, Aaron Boone’s top priority is booking a flight. The Yankees manager is set to travel to California next week for a crucial meeting with Juan Soto, his agent Scott Boras, and Yankees managing general partner Hal Steinbrenner.
The Yankees are highly interested in keeping the 26-year-old Soto, who played a key role in the team’s World Series appearance after being traded from the Padres in December. Soto is expected to attract major offers in free agency, including from the Mets, who are also planning a California meeting with Soto and Boras.
“As I’ve said all year, what Juan did for us on the field was outstanding, and he had a remarkable season,” Boone said Monday during a Zoom call. “But just as importantly, I was really impressed with him as a person. Getting to know him and managing him was a pleasure.”
“I would absolutely love to have him back, no question. I want him in pinstripes moving forward. But you also know there will be a lot of teams competing for him, so who knows how it will play out?”
Regarding how hard he might push for Soto, Boone noted that Soto has already experienced the full New York season, including the attention from fans who were eager to offer him deals. The team’s recent World Series run is also fresh in everyone’s minds.
Boone indicated that he’ll emphasize the strong relationship he’s developed with Soto and the open, honest communication they’ve shared.
“Hopefully that will help convey how much we value him, not just as a player, but as a person,” Boone said. “I experienced that with him this year, and that’s what I’d focus on in the meeting—how much we want him back—but we’ll let the meeting unfold from there.”
‘Sting’ still present
As Boone spoke, he sat behind his desk in the depths of Yankee Stadium, with his fielding glove—bearing the stitched initials “AB 17”—visible over his left shoulder. Just twelve days earlier, Boone had worn that glove to play catch before a World Series game. Now, he was once again reflecting on a season that ended just shy of a championship.
“As I told our guys, this is something that stays with you forever—the sting of not finishing it off,” Boone said. “I’ve mentioned the 2019 playoffs and how hard it was not to get through that. These are the types of things that linger. That wound is still there when you get so close to the top of the mountain.”
Boone also addressed some recent criticism from the Dodgers, particularly comments made by reliever Joe Kelly, who suggested the Yankees were lacking in baserunning and defensive discipline compared to other contenders.
“The bottom line is, we didn’t play as well as we could have,” Boone said.
‘Martian’ landing?
Boone expressed that he expects Jasson Domínguez to play a significant role for the Yankees in the upcoming season, although it’s still uncertain whether Domínguez will primarily play left or center field.
A lot of that decision will depend on Juan Soto’s potential return, whether Aaron Judge might shift back to right field, and any other roster moves the Yankees make.
“I’m still really excited about Jasson’s future,” Boone said. “I’m in the camp that believes he’s going to be a great big league player. I love his makeup and his talent.”
Boone also praised Caleb Durbin, an infield prospect who has been impressing in the Arizona Fall League.
“I think he’s a stud, frankly,” Boone said. “He has great bat-to-ball skills, elite base-stealing ability, and he’s a strong defender at second base in the middle of the diamond.”
Beyond 2025
On Friday, the Yankees exercised Aaron Boone’s option for the 2025 season, which is believed to be valued around $3 million. However, Boone mentioned that there have been no talks regarding a contract extension beyond that deal.
“There are still a lot of loose ends to tie up organizationally, so we’ll see what happens,” Boone said. “But either way, I’m prepared, ready to go, and excited for 2025.”
Boone also indicated that there would be at least one change to his coaching staff for the 2025 season, with the possibility of two changes. He chose not to go into specifics about those adjustments, noting that he expects the staff to be “largely intact” from the 2024 season.
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