While the World Dreams of Juan Soto Joining the Yankees, Here Are 3 Reasons Why He Might Not Be the Perfect Fit

The New York Yankees are finally looking to acquire talent. Last offseason, fans expected more new signings than Carlos Rodon, who turned out to be a disappointment. The club re-signed outfielder Aaron Judge as captain and he outperformed expectations. 2023 will hopefully be better, but is prospect signee Juan Soto good enough?

The 24-year-old is a star with the San Diego Padres, especially in the last two weeks of 2023. However, despite being the third largest spenders of payrolls, the Friars have failed to make it to the postseason this year. Probably looking to lessen their salary burden, a few trades might be in order. One such player is rumored to be Juan Soto, who many have considered a good fit for the Yankees. But is he really?

Juan Soto’s Expensive Price Tag May Pose a Problem for the New York Yankees

A year away from free agency, Juan Soto may not have a contract extension. Although rumors said that the Padres were looking to make him stay, they would not necessarily be averse to a trade in the offseason. Why? Because of his expected salary. No matter how good a player, teams will always take a pause before numbers are confirmed. The Yankees are the same.

Even with a generational talent like Shohei Ohtani, who is expected to sign around the ballpark of $500 million this winter, some might hesitate. The prestige of a name and the promise of talent may be enough for some but the astronomical arbitration salary that comes with Soto is a con for the Yankees.

Even though the Bronx could do with some much-needed help in the outfield, the Dominican youngster needs to prove his defensive worth before he can wear pinstripes. No one can doubt Soto’s offensive abilities, which is yet another thing the Yankees are lacking. But giving Alex Rodriguez a run for his money, the Friars player turned down what would have been the most lucrative contract in MLB history.

Before coming to America’s Finest City, Soto was in the capital, playing for the Nationals. He apparently turned down a massive 15-year, $440 million contract, when he was 23, for several reasons. Soto could get a bigger contract if he waited, and the next price tag could be as big as Ohtani’s – half a billion dollars.

New York Yankees Top Prospect Spencer Jones for Soto is Not Favorable

If the Padres were to let an outstanding player go, they wouldn’t do it for free. Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rhymer recently came up with theoretical trades that could happen in the upcoming offseason. One of them was the Yankees trading OF Spencer Jones and RHP Chase Hampton for the 24-year-old.

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As alluring as it may sound, a Spencer Jones loss could be devastating for the Bronx. Having dominated the Yankees’ minor leagues this summer, the youngster is the top prospect in the organization. It’s not as if the club has a high-rated farm system. If they trade away the few good players they have left, what will become of their youth movement?

No Team Would Approve More K’s Than Hits

One of the biggest troubles with the Yankees in 2023 has been their inability to hit. Even firing coach Dillon Lawson didn’t improve anything and some fear Juan Soto may be the same. Although he was projected to be a top hitter ahead of the 2023 season, he still struggled here and there. But the biggest trouble is his postseason stats, which once again will spell trouble for the Bronx Bombers. After Derek Jeter’s retirement, a new performer in the clutch is needed.

Will Scott Boras Unintentionally Hinder His Client’s Future?

Scott Boras doesn’t have the best reputation among MLB fans and the reasons are manifold. For the Yankees’ purposes, the reason stands that Boras is not known for extensions. The very reason that the Padres might have to give him up instead of keeping him after free agency. If Soto signs with the Yankees for 2024 this offseason, his looming free agency will mean that Boras would prefer to take him elsewhere.

It remains to be seen what the Padres will do with one of their biggest players this winter. And what Brian Cashman, always under fire for not making enough moves, will do should he have an opportunity with Soto.

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