Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner flew out to California to meet with slugger Juan Soto a few days ago, as the 26-year-old slugger is set to be a free agent.
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That is to say, Steinbrenner has emphasized the same sentiment of fans, that they want to keep Soto after he helped lead the Yankees to the World Series this year in his first and maybe only season with the club.
"JUAN SOTO. A THREE-RUN HOME RUN. SOTO MAGIC IN GAME 5. AN INCREDIBLE MOMENT AS JUAN SOTO GOES DEEP TO GIVE THE YANKEES A 5-2 LEAD IN THE 10TH INNING."
Brian Anderson on the call for Juan Soto's HR, which may send the Yankees to the World Series. pic.twitter.com/B9vRzOIihh
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) October 20, 2024
"We listen to our fans," Steinbrenner said earlier this week. "Our fans really enjoyed having him in New York. He's definitely a significant part of why we got to the World Series. I've got ears. I know what's expected of me. It's been a priority... wouldn't have gone out to the West Coast if it wasn't."
Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner meeting with reporters at the MLB Owners Meetings today. Juan Soto, expectedly, was the hot topic of conversation. pic.twitter.com/24wynEMJ42
— Brendan Kuty 🧟♂️ (@BrendanKutyNJ) November 20, 2024
All in all, it is unknown at this time what the chances are of Soto staying in New York, as he was traded from the San Diego Padres to the Bronx ahead of the 2024 season.
Hal Steinbrenner responds to rumors that the Yankees won’t be the highest bidder for Juan Soto by claiming he can afford to spend $20-million: pic.twitter.com/gja5VKcGoW
— woli (@wolitakeiteasy) November 20, 2024
Some believe that Soto is wanting to sign with whatever team can give him the biggest contract.
"Can't really answer that," Steinbrenner said in regards to how much money Soto is seeking. "I just don't know. All I can tell you is: I do believe he enjoyed his time here. He's close with Aaron Judge. He's close with Aaron Boone. So we'll see. But in the end, he needs to do what's best for him and his family."
Who's going to land Juan Soto — and for how much? 👀💸
A poll of 28 MLB insiders predicted contracts and teams to sign Soto 🔗 https://t.co/ro8YPXWoao pic.twitter.com/4PSMLe8iix
— ESPN (@espn) October 31, 2024
