“Chances Are Very Good” Despite Hal Steinbrenner’s Payroll Reduction Calls, Top Insider Finds the Juan Soto-Yankees Connection Good to Go

Juan Soto is the player to watch in 2024 Baseball, as his $500 Million Value is buzzing across the internet. Currently playing for the New York Yankees, the Star Outfielder will become a free agent after the Major League Baseball 2024 season. 

His team, the Yankees, sits comfortably above .500 after 18 stellar games. But with Soto’s agent Scott Boras’s wishful deal of $500 million, how long can the Yankees prevail with the left-handed superstar? Well, vanishing all doubts and igniting hope for the Yankees management and fans, an insider, Jon Heyman, has some interesting news for the fans. 

Juan Soto’s Next Contract: Insider Jon Heyman Shares Some Insights

The year 2023 marked the beginning of a new era for the Yankees when Juan Soto was brought in for a staggering $31 Million. His agent, Scott Boras, rejected the $440 and a 15-year extension from Washington Nations in 2022. Later, he traded Soto to the San Diego Padres, ending up with the Yankees. Neglecting a massive deal and choosing the Yankees, Soto’s agent is clearly not up for a contract extension. He wants the Yankees to go hard for Soto in the bidding war. 

While it’s almost certain that Soto is a new candidate for free agency, the New York Post’s Jon Heyman still thinks the Yankees have a “very good” chance to retain the superstar. “I think they are willing to stretch for Juan Soto,” Heyman said, adding, “The way he’s performed, they love him. Obviously, the fans love him. He seems to love it there so I actually think the chances are very good that he ends up back with the Yankees despite any public rhetoric about the money and all of that.”

On the contrary, Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner recently told reporters, “Payrolls at the levels we’re at right now are simply not sustainable for us financially.” Currently, the team’s total payroll is around $313 million, clearly a deficit due to the luxury tax penalties, posing a fear of losing Juan Soto. 

Can the Yankees Lose Juan Soto?

In 2023, the Yankees’ offense was miserable, as the team scored 82-80 in MLB. This was their worst record since 1992, when they didn’t have a gun outfielder for protection. With the arrival of Juan Soto, the complexion of the Yankees’ outfield game was completely changed. Soto took charge, taking the team to a 36-17 record, making it the best in the American League. Like few players in the MLB, Soto has been the Yankees’ savior guarding the outfield.

Being a once-in-a-generation player, it doesn’t seem the team will let him walk out that easily. Currently, Soto’s next contract is on its way to set new records regardless of his free-agent deal or an extended contract with the Yankees. But for the Yankees, their role seems pretty clear now! Maintain a high payroll, hold a talk for Soto’s extension, or outbid everyone in the competition to get Soto, yet again, to shine for the New York team.