Juan Soto Smashes in Yankees Debut, but Tagged as Temporary: Pay Hesitation Could Send Him to Mets

The 2023 season didn’t bore fruits for the Yankees. Their pitching segment’s dissatisfactory performance prompted them to dive into the free agency market to pick one of the best pitchers. They successfully did that when they acquired the Dominican ace, Juan Soto, in the blockbuster seven-player trade. However, despite their acquisition, they can’t overlook the probability of losing their star player, as they only signed him for merely a year, causing them to frown even in the golden days of their spring training.

Juan Soto, on the other hand, proved his potential in the debut game against the Toronto Blue Jays. As his debut marked the opener of his exceptional performances this season, the Yankees will put their best foot forward to keep him associated, but how much will that cost them?

Will Juan Soto break the Pinstripes’ monetary boundary?

As the 25-year-old slugger is playing as a rental for the Pinstripes and will be entering the free agency market in 2025, speculations regarding his contract amount are swirling around. According to one of the renowned MLB insiders, Randy Miller, he may ask for a mammoth amount that resonates with the Japanese ace Shohei Ohtani. He further explained that even if ex-Padres’ star’s performance revolves around average, then his ask may hit the $500 million tag, or else there is a high chance of his demand rising to $700 million following an MVP-caliber 2024 season.

Now, if the prediction hits reality, then it will be a highly concerning reason for the Yankees, as they prefer to keep a firm monetary limit. Additionally, signing the ground-breaking pitcher will push them to pay him a minimum of $100 million to $200 million more than they paid to their captain, Aaron Judge. On the other hand, given their record of keeping their captain as a top-paying player, they might need to find solace in Soto’s rental performance only in the current season.

On top of everything, Juan Soto will find an extended list of pursuers as he enters the free agent market next year. But given the market position, another team coming from the same state, the New York Mets may become the ultimate destination of the commendable hitter, as mentioned by USA Today’s official. According to Bob Nightengale, “The Mets are not only expected to strongly pursue, but could be among the favorites for outfielder Juan Soto when he’s a free agent next winter.”

Read More: New York Yankees GM Focuses on Maximizing Juan Soto’s Debut Season, Pushes Aside Impending Free Agency Worries

Additionally, with an exceptional record of becoming a three-time All-star, a four-time Silver Slugger, and a batting champion, he successfully demonstrated his on-field charisma in the debut match with the Yankees, grabbing the attention of the MLB world.

The Yankees are under the effect of Soto’s magic

25th February marked Soto’s iconic debut as a Yankee where he dented the left-field scoreboard, claiming a 12-6 win over the Blue Jays at the George M. Steinbrenner Field. Besides ripping three-run home run for his team, came off the slugger’s bat at 110.1 mph, according to Statcast, grabbing the attention of the team captain.

Soto didn’t let a single anticipation fall flat in the game as the Yankees’ captain expressed his mesmerization, stating, “At Yankee Stadium and here, you’ve got basically 400 feet out there to left-center. “It’s one of the deepest in the game. So for him to take that pitch like he did and hit it the other way, and with ease — you don’t see too many lefties doing that.”

Now, given his beyond-expected performance in the spring training, the only question lurking in the Pinstripes’ fans’ minds is, will they tweak their monetary policy to keep Soto tied with them? Well, only time will tell.

Read More: Aaron Judge Reveals Secret Juan Soto Contract Renewal Tactic, as Yankees Face Star Slugger’s Impending Free Agency