NEW YORK – At 1:27 a.m., Juan Soto stepped out of the New York Yankees clubhouse for the last time this season. Just before he left, he turned to the clubhouse attendants and offered a final farewell.
“See you guys,” Soto said.
Thus began the unofficial start of Soto’s long-awaited free agency, with predictions that he could get at least half a billion dollars from the franchise that would eventually sign him. His contract could surpass Shohei Ohtani’s average annual value, especially considering Soto just turned 26 and is among the most elite players in baseball.
After fielding countless questions about his future, Soto sat behind his locker pondering the staggering amount his bank account could reach in the coming months. He’s not just a generational talent; he is ready to earn generational wealth. When asked if it dawned on him that he would make at least $500 million, Soto smiled knowingly.
“It’s been on my mind for a while,” he noted.
Even long after the Los Angeles Dodgers reached the World Series, Soto remained in full uniform, lost in thought as he stared at his locker, trying to make sense of the Yankees’ disappointing season.
By February, Soto was convinced the Yankees had more than enough talent to win it all. However, the Dodgers exposed the critical flaws that plagued the Yankees all year. When Alex Verdugo struck out to seal a 4-1 loss, Soto lingered in the dugout longer than any other player. Sitting on the bench, with his batting helmet and gloves still on, he was ready for one last at-bat that would never come. As he watched the Dodgers celebrate, frustration washed over him. Still, he was able to express gratitude for what the Yankees had accomplished, even if it didn’t result in a championship.
Anthony Volpe watches the Dodgers celebrate on the top step. Juan Soto sits with his batting gloves and helmet on. pic.twitter.com/aswS9uCEf7
— Chris Kirschner (@ChrisKirschner) October 31, 2024
He reflected on the possibility of this being his last match in pinstripes, calling it a “tough match” to finish with. Despite appreciating every moment of the year, he insisted that no team has an advantage over the others entering free agency.
“I feel like every team has the same opportunity going into free agency,” Soto said. “I wouldn’t say any team has an advantage. We will evaluate what each has to offer.”
Soto stands out as the rare superstar who openly acknowledges his individual achievements, understanding that his performance will dictate his worth. He realizes he just had the best season of his career, which begs the question: Why would he leave the Yankees? He thrived for Aaron Judge all year long and will likely finish in the top five in the American League MVP voting. Few lineups can provide the kind of protection the Yankees can, not only improving his stats but also increasing his chances of returning to the World Series stage.
“This year will be in my heart for the rest of my life,” Soto said of the 2024 Yankees. “It was really special. I am proud of what I have accomplished, thanks in large part to Judge. The hard work I put in during the offseason has paid off. I’m proud of myself and this group for making it easy for me. I’m not sure what next year will bring.”
A close teammate admitted as much The Athletics that he had no idea of Soto’s intentions in free agency, but merely implied that Soto was really enjoying being a Yankee this year. He’s never been able to read what Soto wants in free agency.
It’s crucial to note that the Yankees were not Soto’s pick in 2024. They pursued him, believing he could be the missing piece to a title run. When it became clear he would be joining the Yankees, Soto felt excited about being part of an organization that is consistently in contention in the playoffs – an important factor for him as he weighs his options.
Reports suggest that Soto might not even have been a Yankee if it weren’t for the late Peter Seidler, owner of the San Diego Padres, who wanted him to stay in San Diego for the duration of his career. Soto said The Athletics that he was open to signing a long-term extension with the Padres due to the full complement of their roster. He never sought a trade, believing he would play for San Diego in 2024 until the organization’s direction changed after Seidler’s death.
Juan Soto and Aaron Judge combined to form one of baseball’s most formidable duos in 2024. (Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
There is a prevailing idea that New York, with its strong Dominican roots and proximity to Soto’s home country, gives the Yankees and Mets an edge. However, Soto downplayed this aspect in his decision-making process. What will weigh heavily on his mind in the coming months is the realization that the Yankees have a formidable core of stars, equal to any other baseball organization.
“It’s always hard to leave a winning team, and this place was really special,” Soto said. “I enjoyed it here. Wherever I end up, I will be happy for my teammates and the connections I have made. This group is exceptional. Ultimately, we’ll see what happens.”
Yankees fans have made their wishes clear: They want Soto to stay in pinstripes for his entire career. They chanted “Re-sign Soto!” during the season and arrived at Yankee Stadium carrying replica blank checks with his name on them. His teammates have publicly lobbied for his return, with Jazz Chisholm Jr. boldly stated that he should receive $700 million. Jasson Domínguez expressed hope to learn from Soto and urged the Yankees to do whatever it takes to keep him.
“You have to give him the money,” Domínguez said earlier in the World Series. “At the end of the day, after that at-bat in Cleveland, I’d give him a blank check. Here’s whatever you want. Stay here.”
When asked what advice he would give Soto in free agency, Giancarlo Stanton’s message was: “Stay with us.”
There is a palpable sense of urgency within the Yankees clubhouse and fanbase to retain Soto, recognizing his immense value. Without him, the Yankees’ roster will be depleted in 2025. Fans are already starting to imagine the next decade alongside him and Judge at the top.
When asked if the fans’ desire for him to stay would influence his decision, Soto acknowledged the impact of their support on Yankees ownership.
“It will probably impact the ownership decision,” Soto said. “I am very grateful to the fans. They were incredible.”
Last offseason, Soto’s agent Scott Boras had his four biggest clients – Matt Chapman, Blake Snell, Jordan Montgomery and Cody Bellinger – deeply involved in their free agency process. Soto expressed no concerns about a similar scenario this year, suggesting he wouldn’t mind if it happened again.
He also refrained from instructing Boras to give the Yankees the last chance to match any offer in free agency, indicating that his lone season in New York does not provide a clear advantage over other teams.
Soto would not immediately answer whether he would return to the Yankees next season, but said he plans to consider all offers that come his way. For fans hoping for warm feelings about his future with the Yankees, his comments on the final day of the season fell short.
This uncertainty loomed large in the New York clubhouse as Soto sat in the dugout and watched the Dodgers celebrate on the infield of Yankee Stadium. He reflected on what could have happened as he shifted focus to what he called “the next step” in his career.
For his manager, that next step is landing a long-term contract with the Yankees.
“I hope he’ll be here forever,” Aaron Boone said.
(Top photo of Soto: Sarah Stier / Getty Images)