SAN ANTONIO — Brian Cashman, the general manager of the Yankees, has initiated conversations with agent Scott Boras regarding the possibility of keeping Juan Soto in New York. Additionally, discussions were held about acquiring power-hitting first baseman Pete Alonso.
During a media interaction on Tuesday, Cashman revealed that he had a chat with Soto after the Yankees concluded their season, which culminated in a World Series defeat against the Los Angeles Dodgers in five games. “I had a chance to thank him for everything and told him we’d be in touch,” Cashman noted. “Since then, I’ve also spoken with Scott, who will gauge what Soto is thinking and keep us updated.”
Now a free agent at just 26, Soto is projected to demand a staggering contract of $500 million or more. He was acquired from the San Diego Padres last December and performed impressively, registering a .288 batting average, 41 home runs, 109 RBIs, and 129 walks. Soto and Aaron Judge created a formidable batting duo, occupying the second and third spots in the lineup. Notably, Soto’s three-run homer in the 10th inning of Game 5 of the American League Championship Series helped the Yankees claim their first pennant since 2009.
Following the World Series loss, Soto mentioned, “I’m going to be available for all 30 teams,” implying that no team holds an edge in pursuing him. Cashman expressed New York’s eagerness to engage with Soto as much as he desires. “We certainly have an interest in retaining him and we’ll put our best foot forward there,” he said. “If that leads to us signing him back, fantastic. If not, we’ll explore other options in the marketplace that could enhance our roster in various ways.”
He acknowledged the inherent pressures that exist in the winter marketplace. “The urgency isn’t on us today, but it’s always present,” he commented. Notable free agents this offseason include Alonso and third baseman Alex Bregman, who also shares Boras as his representative.
The Yankees are not alone in their pursuit; other teams like the Mets, under the ownership of billionaire Steve Cohen, and the Dodgers have the financial means to compete for Soto’s signature. Cashman refrained from commenting directly on the Mets’ rivalry in vying for Soto. “They aim to win, and as a large-market team, they have witnessed success and want to build on that,” he explained. “The rivalry is just part of the game, and big-market owners with significant financial resources aren’t the only ones capable of landing high-profile players. Just look at the San Diego Padres on the West Coast, who have added numerous star players with substantial contracts.”