Yankees’ Juan Soto Says ‘Being in the Race Every Year’ Is Key to Free Agency Decision

Zach BacharContributor IJuly 23, 2024

Adam Hunger/Getty Images

New York Yankees slugger Juan Soto is interested in signing with a competitive team once he reaches free agency at the end of the 2024 season.

“Being in a place where we can win a couple of championships, and even if we don’t, just being in the race every year. I think that’s the biggest thing for me,” Soto said, per Chris Kirschner of The Athletic.

The Yankees could still re-sign the 25-year-old before he hits free agency, although ESPN’s Buster Olney reported on Friday that there have been “no recent conversations” between both sides regarding a new contract prior to the end of the season.

While Soto wants to play for a contending organization throughout the duration of his next contract, he’s also open to joining a team that would build around him and compete for a title.

“I’m telling you, you never know who’s going to come next,” he said, via Kirschner. “I’m going to try to build a beautiful team around me to win a championship. At the end of the day, you have to sit down, look at what these teams are offering and make a decision from there.”

ESPN’s Jorge Castillo revealed on July 15 that the New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies, Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs and Washington Nationals are expected to compete with the Yankees for the outfielder in free agency.

Soto is in the midst of an exceptional season at the plate after he was acquired by the Yankees in a Dec. 2023 trade with the San Diego Padres. In 98 games, he’s racked up 25 home runs and 71 RBIs to go along with a terrific .311/.435/.594 slash line. Soto also earned the fourth All-Star nod of his career.

B/R Walk-Off @BRWalkoffJuan Soto tacks on another for the Yanks 💪

(via @MLB) pic.twitter.com/ChmD0gK774

Despite a relatively disappointing 82-80 record in 2023, New York has earned a postseason appearance in six of the past seven years and could return in 2024 with a 60-42 record through 102 games.

While Soto may re-sign with the Yankees and stay on a contender, opposing front offices might also be able to pry him away from New York with a hefty contract offer during the offseason.