The New York Yankees turned a new leaf this season. While last year, the team struggled and missed the postseason tournament, this season, they are frontrunners and favorites to possibly win the World Series championship. However, while fans are focused on what’s to come, the chants of “re-sign Soto” cannot be ignored. The elephant in the room—Soto’s free agency – the 25-year-old outfielder is set to hit the free market. It’s been a hot minute that a player of his caliber has been open; right now, Soto has set a career-high. With 41 home runs this season, he is also leading the American League with 128 runs.

So naturally, every team wants Juan Soto, which makes the mouths of New York Yankee fans parched. Not to mention rumors of Soto not being ready to be second fiddle, adds more fuel to the theory. However, there is reason for the Yankee fans to be hopeful. According to the Athletic Brenden Kuty, Soto has met with the team owner Hal Steinbrenner, not now, but in July, at the Yankee stadium. But this news is new, fueling the theory that Soto might stay in the Bronx for years to come. 

Juan Soto might stay with the New York Yankees

When it comes to Juan Soto and the Yankees – there are a plethora of speculations going around. Some hint that Soto doesn’t want to play second fiddle to Aaron Judge, and hence, he could be on the move. There are also talks about how money will matter, and who pays the best will be his choice. Not to forget that, his agent, Scott Boras, is known to make deals solely based on the monetary front. But seems like Soto might not be headed that way, given the recent news of his secret meet with the Yankee team owner.

Juan Soto’s meeting with Hal Steinbrenner was all about how he, as a player, is enjoying his time with the team. According to The Athletic, the duo also discussed how the Yankees could improve things for the new players and more. Juan Soto appreciated getting to know the owner, he told The Athletic, “It’s always good to see (an owner) coming over at least to say hi, see how we’re doing, what we have in mind, this and that. It’s great to have an owner that really cares for players.” Soto also mentioned it was good knowing what the owner thought about him and everything else. 

This is a major green flag, as it shows Soto acknowledging other aspects of a team – like a caring owner. Plus, he also loves being Aaron Judge’s partner and has openly talked about it. In a recent interview, Jasson Dominguez mentioned the leadership position Juan Soto has in the team. The Dominican seems to have taken the role of a captain, without the tag, and is happy to help coach young rookies of the team. That throws all theories about Soto not enjoying being on the team out the window.

CC Sabathia is positive about the Soto – Yankee partnership!

CC Sabathia thinks that re-signing Juan Soto makes sense for both sides of the parties –the New York Yankees and Soto himself. At his 4th Annual Charity Golf Tournament, Sabathia mentioned, “I think it’s a must-have on both sides, I think, for him, it makes sense. And for the Yankees, it makes sense.” However, Sabathia does admit that it’s a tricky scenario, but given how the season played out, a long-term deal seems to be the most sensible for him.

CC Sabathia spent over a decade in pinstripes and played a pivotal role in the 2009 Yankees victory, so, he might be a bit biased. But the numbers do back his sentiment – Juan Soto is having the best seasons of his career. He’s batting .288, has 108 RBIs, a 7.9 WAR; also, the partnership between Soto and Aaron Judge has been phenomenal, and his results are a fruit of that. Some are even comparing the duo to Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig!

So, for Soto, staying in the team can be an opportunity to be with a historic franchise. And for the Yanks, it makes sense to lock in a superstar outfielder. However, it’s not going to be simple, as a bidding storm will be headed their way. There are rumors swirling that Soto’s deal could be around 14 years and for a whopping $560 million—just shy of Shohei Ohtani’s historic contract. Plus, teams like the New York Mets are all geared up to snag in Juan Soto. While Sabathia affirmed keeping Soto makes sense for the Yanks, what do you think will happen? Let us know in the comments.