It’s highly improbable that Juan Soto will receive a midseason contract extension.
The New York Yankees are deeply impressed by superstar outfielder Juan Soto to the extent that owner Hal Steinbrenner mentioned he would entertain the idea of negotiating a contract extension midseason to secure his long-term presence with the team.
It’s uncommon for New York to pursue such actions, and it’s a rarity in general for players to engage in midseason negotiations, especially when they’re represented by Scott Boras.
An executive from the American League has poured cold water on the Yankees’ ability to secure Soto, who is nearing free agency, midseason, stating that there’s absolutely no possibility.
“I think he ultimately signs back with the Yankees, but Scott takes his guys into free agency,” the exec said, via Mark Feinsand of MLB.com.
Another executive from the American League assessed the Yankees’ chances of re-signing Soto during the 2024 season at five percent, noting that Soto might be willing to entertain discussions due to the risk of injuries or a disappointing postseason.
“Not many teams that can afford him, so the pool is limited,” the executive said of Soto. “But it’s hard not to wait and see what the Mets are willing to pay.”
Considering that Soto appears receptive to the concept of a midseason extension, would he truly be inclined to depart from the Yankees for the Mets?
Juan Soto appears to be an ideal fit for the Yankees
Star players joining the Yankees often face a challenging beginning, as the immense pressure associated with playing for one of the most legendary franchises in sports can be daunting.
Soto hasn’t encountered that issue.
The 25-year-old boasts a .316/.415/.551 slash line with 11 home runs and 37 RBIs in 224 plate appearances this season. Additionally, despite not being recognized for his defensive skills, Soto has excelled in right field, registering an impressive 8.5 UZR/150 so far.
Moreover, Soto has endeared himself to New York fans by actively interacting with them during games, quickly becoming a beloved figure. With his stellar performance on the field, it’s no wonder the fans have embraced him wholeheartedly.
The Dominican-born player started his career with the Washington Nationals after joining them as an international free agent in 2015.
In 2018, he debuted in the major leagues, hitting .292/.406/.517 with 22 home runs and 70 RBIs in 494 plate appearances. The next season, he had a breakthrough, hitting 34 homers and driving in 110 runs with a .949 OPS. Crucially, Soto played a key role in the Nationals winning the championship that year, hitting three home runs in the World Series.
Soto spent the initial four and a half years of his career with Washington before being traded to the San Diego Padres during the 2022 season. While with the Padres in 2022, he faced difficulties, recording a .236/.388/.390 slash line with six home runs and 16 RBIs in 52 games. However, he bounced back last season, returning to form with a .275/.410/.519 slash line, hitting 35 home runs and driving in 109 runs.
San Diego traded Soto to the Yankees during the recent offseason because they believed they wouldn’t be able to afford him once he becomes a free agent next winter.
Soto has a career batting line of .286/.421/.526 and has been selected to the All-Star team three times. It seems likely he’ll earn his fourth selection this year.
While the Yankees might not manage to extend Soto during the season, it’s unlikely that Steinbrenner would let him leave as a free agent next offseason.
