New York Yankees star outfielder Juan Soto is doing everything he can to earn a long-term contract, and it's clear they want to keep him in pinstripes.
While doing a podcast interview with Jack Curry of YES Network, owner Hal Steinbrenner said he wants Soto to be a Yankee for life. He also mentioned the possibility of having discussions with Soto's agent, Scott Boras, during the season.
While the Yankees typically don't negotiate contract extensions during the season—and Boras' clients typically hit free agency—this is a unique situation.
After Steinbrenner's comments, Curry also reached out to Boras, who was open to the idea of in-season discussions.
"Always happy to talk with Hal. Juan is getting to know the Yankee organization. His singular focus is winning," Boras said via Curry.
Soto has been everything the Yankees could have wanted when they made the big trade for him this offseason. He has a .302 batting average to go along with a .920 OPS, nine home runs and 34 RBI.
Soto's .402 on-base percentage is top-10 in MLB and the second-highest in the American League.
Re-signing Soto to a long-term deal is the highest priority for the Yankees so this will be something to keep an eye on if contract talks begin during the season.
