New York Yankees outfielder Juan Soto is focused on the 2024 season, but he still has to play his cards right for free agency in the offseason.
In making his return to San Diego for the first time since being traded to the Yankees this offseason, Soto held a press conference Friday afternoon.
In that presser, Soto made it clear they will listen to any and all bids in free agency when the time comes.
"We ain't closing the doors on anybody," Soto said.
Of course, it's in the best interest of Soto to say this. Even though he's focused on helping the Yankees win—a job he's tremendous at—he still is obligated to drive up his value as much as possible before hitting the market.
If Soto said they were only listening to certain teams, it would only hinder his chances of receiving the maximum contract he desires.
There is an off-chance the Yankees and Soto come to an agreement before he hits free agency. However, recent history shows that both the Yankees and clients of Scott Boras (Soto's agent) like to let the market dictate the price.
Soto has done everything the Yankees could have hoped for when they traded for him this offseason. His 2.9 fWAR ranks fifth in the AL and is slightly behind the leader, Kyle Tucker (3.4). In the AL he ranks third in average (.312), fourth in home runs (13), second in RBI (41), third in walks (34), third in OPS (.972) and third in weighed runs created plus (173).
We are still months away from free agency, and the Yankees currently hold the best record in the American League.
But this is going to be a storyline until Soto and the Yankees agree to a deal or until free agency arrives—whichever comes first.
For more Yankees coverage, check out Kevin Hickey's work on Sporting News.
