MLB Insider: '0 Chance' Juan Soto Signs Yankees Contract Before Free Agency
May 19, 2024
There is "absolutely zero chance" star rightfielder Juan Soto with re-sign with the New York Yankees before he enters free agency this winter, according to USA Today's Bob Nightengale.
That would open the bidding window for the New York Mets, who ESPN's Buster Olney previously reported "fully intend" to pursue Soto this offseason.
"Soto can keep on hitting, sit back, and watch the bidding war emerge between the Yankees and Mets," Nightengale wrote. "Let's see who blinks first and gives him $500 million."
Soto has put himself on pace to earn a deal even larger than the 15 years and $440 million he rejected from the Washington Nationals in 2022.
Through 47 games he is slashing .317/.414/561, recording 11 home runs and 37 RBI while leading the AL with 57 hits.
The report comes days after both Soto and Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner publicly discussed the All-Star outfielder's impending free agency.
Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner said last week on a YES Network podcast that the team, and Soto's agent Scott Boras, wouldn't "normally" work on a mid-season contract, but that Soto could be an exception.
"This is a unique situation and a very unique player," Steinbrenner said (h/t MLB.com's Mark Feinsand.) "So, I wouldn't be shocked if there was a conversation or two had possibly during the course of the season.
"I think it's worth doing at some point. I wanted to give Juan time to really settle in, have a conversation with him at some point and make sure that obviously the most important thing is, is this a place he can see himself for a long time?"
When asked about Steinbrenner's comments, Soto said the "door has always been open" to him considering a new deal, per the Associated Press' Dave Campbell.
"They know the phone number and everything. They know where to call. For me right here, I'm focusing on playing baseball. My thing is try to help the team win," Soto said.
Soto, whom the Yankees acquired through a December trade with the San Diego Padres, has so far been successful in that mission. The Yankees head into their Sunday matchup against the Chicago White Sox with an AL East-leading 32-15 record.