NEW YORK — Hal Steinbrenner, the owner of the New York Yankees, expressed his desire for a relationship with Juan Soto that resembles the strong connections he shares with players Aaron Judge and Gerrit Cole. He underscored the team’s dedication to enhancing its roster should the star outfielder continue with the Yankees.
Steinbrenner was part of a Yankees delegation that convened for a productive meeting, which included team president Randy Levine, general manager Brian Cashman, manager Aaron Boone, and senior baseball operations adviser Omar Minaya. “We had a good meeting. It was a very honest back-and-forth dialogue, lasting for a couple of hours,” Steinbrenner stated recently.
When probed about his confidence in securing Soto for the coming season, Steinbrenner replied, “No idea. We’ll be in the mix. I’ll leave it at that.” He noted the significance of Soto to the team’s fan base, saying, “Our fans really enjoyed having him in New York. He is definitely a significant part of why we got to the World Series. So, I’ve got ears. I know what’s expected of me.”
The meeting, reportedly held over two hours at a hotel near Newport Beach, California, coincided with Soto’s agent, Scott Boras. This confidential information was shared by a source who requested anonymity due to its sensitive nature. Soto joined the Yankees from San Diego last December, helping the team reach the World Series for the first time since 2009.
Reflecting on his limited interaction with Soto, Steinbrenner remarked, “We didn’t get to know each other that well. I was told he has an intense focus when he’s in the clubhouse, and I don’t want to disrupt that zone. However, we discussed this in California, and if he returns next year, I’ve made it clear that the type of relationship I would prefer mirrors that which I have with Gerrit and Aaron.”
As Soto is reviewing options with other teams, contractual negotiations are expected to commence next week. The Yankees’ payroll for the postseason stood at $311 million, which is second to the Mets at $332 million. Notably, first baseman Anthony Rizzo, second baseman Gleyber Torres, left fielder Alex Verdugo, and reliever Clay Holmes are now free agents, which alters the Yankees’ financial commitments.
Steinbrenner pointed out, “We’re in a better starting position than we were a year ago. Without a doubt, year after year, payrolls like this are not sustainable nor feasible for the majority of owners. Nevertheless, it doesn’t imply that I can’t pursue my goals in any given year. We retain the capability to sign any player we choose.”
Addressing the looming competition from Steve Cohen’s Mets for Soto, Steinbrenner acknowledged, “Of course it’s a concern. If things don’t pan out, it will sting, no matter where he goes.”
Upon reflecting on the team’s World Series performance, Steinbrenner admitted, “We did not play a clean World Series. That’s clear to all of us,” in reference to the five-game series loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers. He asserted that the fundamentals which led the Yankees to the World Series were evident, and the team performed well over the season but acknowledged that the Dodgers simply outplayed them.
The sting of that loss is still fresh for him. “It stung. It continues to sting. It’s quite interesting how lingering a defeat can be when you are on the verge of success,” he remarked.
Regarding Cole’s decision to opt out, Steinbrenner indicated that the Yankees wouldn’t negate that choice by extending a $36 million salary for 2029, leading Cole to choose to stay, with ongoing discussions anticipated. “We want Gerrit to be a Yankee for life. I believe he desires the same. The addition or removal of one more year shouldn’t overshadow that.”
As for Manager Boone, who enters the option year of his contract, Steinbrenner confirmed that talks may take place about a potential extension. “I’m going to have discussions with Cashman soon, but there’s no immediate urgency,” he said.
On the topic of the Tampa Bay Rays using Steinbrenner Field this season, he said, “It’s a big deal and the right thing for their fan base, many of whom I know personally. Without the support from Tampa, they could have faced relocation due to a lack of suitable facilities. Our site offers ample premium and club space, along with a major league-caliber field and lighting. We are also enhancing the visitors’ clubhouse.”
Plans include adding lights to an external field designated for the Class A Tampa Tarpons, with further improvements for the Rays’ use of the facility.