NY Yankees Top Starter Rejects Multi-Million Dollar Qualifying Offer. Juan Soto was never going to accept the Yankees‘ qualifying offer, especially with multiple teams courting the free-agent outfielder and the offer representing a pay cut from his 2024 salary.
On Tuesday, Soto officially turned down the offer, joining 11 other players who made similar moves. Only Nick Martinez of the Reds accepted the $21.05 million, one-year deal, which reflects the average salary of the league’s top 125 earners.
NY Yankees Top Starter Rejects Multi-Million Dollar Qualifying Offer
By rejecting the offer, Soto ensures the Yankees would receive Draft compensation if he signs elsewhere, though the team is hopeful that won’t happen. The Yankees, led by managing general partner Hal Steinbrenner, general manager Brian Cashman, and manager Aaron Boone, met with Soto and his agent, Scott Boras, on Monday in Newport Beach, California.
The Yankees are aware they face strong competition to keep the 26-year-old, who has also met with the Blue Jays, Red Sox, and Mets, with the Dodgers, Giants, Phillies, and Rays reportedly interested.
Soto earned $31 million in 2024, posting a .288/.419/.569 line with 41 homers, 109 RBIs, and 129 walks in 157 games. It was one of his best seasons, setting career highs in runs, hits, home runs, total bases, and extra-base hits.
“Juan’s impact on the field was special, and getting to know him as a person was a pleasure,” said Boone. “I’d love to have him back in pinstripes, but there’s a lot of competition for his services.”
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