The New York Yankees are open to negotiating with Juan Soto ahead of free agency this offseason, but one MLB reporter isn't buying their chances.
Owner Hal Steinbrenner told Jack Curry of YES Network that the Yankees are open to talking about a contract in season. Soto's agent, Scott Boras, replied with a similar sentiment that his party is willing to talk.
Whether that comes to fruition remains to be seen considering the history of both parties typically waiting until free agency.
But Bob Nightengale of USA TODAY certainly does not believe it will happen during the season.
While Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner said he’s interested in engaging in contracts talks with right fielder Juan Soto and agent Scott Boras to avert free agency, with Soto saying he’s willing to listen, the cold truth is there is absolutely zero chance Soto will sign before he’s a free agent.
He turned down a 15-year, $440 million contract offer from the Washington Nationals two years ago. So, what’s another six months? Soto can keep on hitting, sit back, and watch the bidding war emerge between the Yankees and Mets.
Let’s see who blinks first and gives him $500 million.
Soto was likely never going to accept the 15-year deal given that the average annual value of that contract is $29 million per year. He knew it would be too early to take that kind of contract, and it paid off for him.
Both parties typically wait until free agency arrives before agreeing to contracts, but Soto is a completely different animal. If the Yankees make an exception, he would be the one to do it for.
Soto has been everything the Yankees could have hoped for when they traded for him this offseason. He's been a game-changing talent both on the field and in the locker room.
Whether they come to an agreement during the season may be a long shot, but it's something to monitor.
