With the offseason coming, Hal Steinbrenner‘s legacy is on the line, and it is all about keeping Yankees’ talent intact. Previously, Hal had a reputation for pulling off stellar deals and retaining top talent with these contracts. However, the big question is whether he can snag Juan Soto and secure the future of the Bronx Bombers? According to an ESPN insider Jeff Passan, this could be a completely different ball game!
Passan revealed this week that it’s going to be a high-stakes showdown between the New York Yankees and the New York Mets. Well, we definitely saw a glimpse of it in the latest MLB post featuring Soto! And by the way its no ordinary fight, it is shaping up to be the most valuable franchise in the sport facing off against the richest owner in baseball. Just like me, you are probably on the edge of your seat—thinking who will win this epic clash? Well, both have equally good chances.
Can the Yankees lose their ace Juan Soto?
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The only way Juan Soto could slip through Yankees’ fingers is if Steve Cohen rolls out a jaw-dropping and record-breaking offer—which, let us be honest, he can definitely afford to do. If the Yankees decide that it is not worth matching and Soto opts for a bigger deal, it could definitely happen. However, Yankees fans, hold your breath—remember, there is a possibility that the other authorities of the team will likely urge Cohen not to reset the market, as this could have significant repercussions for future free agents.
If this happens and the Mets did not go too high, Hal might seize the opportunity to make an offer. Provided no other teams such as Red Sox, D-backs, and Cubs will come in the mix! See for a superstar like Soto, teams could certainly adjust their strategies, but as if now it were like the battle between the two teams from New York. However, there is another possibility, too. The New York Mets might be the richest team, but Steinbrenner has a history of spending big when it counts.
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What’s your perspective on:
If Hal Steinbrenner loses Juan Soto to the Mets, is his legacy as Yankees' owner tarnished forever?
Have an interesting take?
With Juan Soto entering the free agency next year, it is possible for him to do the same for the 25-year-old!
Hal Steinbrenner’s legacy with retaining Yankees’ talent
Hal Steinbrenner has made some serious waves with his spending power in recent years. Just look at his big moves: he handed Aaron Judge a jaw-dropping $360 million deal, after the 2022 campaign. If we go further back, he locked in Carlos Rodón for $162 million and dished $90 million for DJ LeMahieu one year later. However, Hal has made some mistakes in the past.
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He has let some big names slip through the cracks, such as Bryce Harper, Manny Machado, and several top-tier pitchers who could have turned things around from 2016 to 2019. Now, he has the chance to clean the slate. Moreover, honestly passing on Juan Soto could be a risky gamble for the Bromx! Because bringing in someone else to pair up with Aaron Judge, so perfectly seems impossible. Together, they create a powerhouse lineup for the team.
Both of the Yankees’ baseball aces have been a huge factor in the Yankees’ stellar performance this season, propelling them to the top of the leaderboards. and bringing them close to end their trophy drought. So, there are chances that the Bronx Bombers will do everything in their power to keep him in pinstripes. On the flip side, Soto could be the game-changing star the Mets need to take their game to the next level. Who do you think will come out on top in this epic showdown: the most valuable team or the richest owner? Drop your thoughts in the comments.
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If Hal Steinbrenner loses Juan Soto to the Mets, is his legacy as Yankees' owner tarnished forever?