New York Yankees star Juan Soto is already proving his worth, and it's no surprise the organization is making him the top priority in free agency this upcoming offseason.
While Soto is technically a one-year rental for the Yankees as they chase World Series No. 28, a report from Jon Heyman of The Post surfaced Thursday night stating that Soto will be the team's top priority in free agency.
Heyman mentioned the possibility of New York Mets GM Steve Cohen going after Soto on the open market as well.
While Cohen very politely didn’t go for Yankees homegrown hero and American League home run record-holder Aaron Judge two winters ago, there’s no etiquette about staying away from a rental, even a mega-star rental such as Soto. That said, the Yankees will make Soto their “top priority,” according to sources — no surprise since they loved him in winter and likely love him even more now that he has transformed their lineup.
Soto has started the season at an MVP-level rate. In 90 plate appearances, Soto has a .352/.478/.577 slash line to go along with four home runs, 17 RBI and a league-high 18 walks. his .478 on-base percentage also leads the American League and is second in MLB.
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Soto is likely going to earn himself the richest contract in MLB history for a position player. There are already reports that his contract negotiations will begin at the $500 million mark this offseason. Considering he's still just 25 years old, that comes as no surprise.
Keeping Soto will be an expensive move for the Yankees, but it will likely cost them much more than money if they let him walk in free agency.
