Yankees’ Juan Soto Coy on FA Rumors: ‘If I Knew the Future, I Would Play the Lottery’

Doric SamJuly 16, 2024

Charles Brock/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

New York Yankees star outfielder Juan Soto is set to be the most high-priced free agent in recent memory this winter, but he’s not giving any indications about his plans.

Per ESPN’s Jorge Castillo, Soto chose not to reveal much while discussing his impending free agency during All-Star media day.

“If I knew the future,” Soto said with a laugh, “I would play the lottery. Nobody knows the future. At the end of the day, I’m enjoying this moment, representing the New York Yankees. … I’m very happy to be part of [the game], but nobody knows what will happen next year.”

When Soto hits the open market, it’s widely believed that he will command offers of $500 million or more. According to Castillo, “The New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies, Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs and [Washington] Nationals are among the clubs expected to compete with the Yankees for Soto’s services.”

In the first half of the 2024 season, Soto has shown why he is worthy of a historic payday by slashing .295/.426/.558 with 23 home runs and 66 RBI and helping lead the Yankees to a 58-40 record.

Yankees Videos @snyyankeesJuan Soto was asked about his upcoming free agency:

“Right now, I hope to win another championship with the Yankees. We’re trying to do our best and that’s what we’re focused on.” pic.twitter.com/rPWrbxo0HB

Soto is making his fourth All-Star appearance and his first as a starter. The 25-year-old has represented a different team in each of the last three All-Star Games, as he was with the Nationals in 2022 before being sent to the San Diego Padres, who traded him to the Yankees in December. He acknowledged that he is looking forward to having some stability in his career going forward.

“It’s a little uncomfortable wearing different jerseys and changing teams,” Soto said. “I’m looking forward to wearing one for a long time.”