Brian Cashman knows there is a risk with the Juan Soto trade in that it could become a one-year rental, as the superstar outfielder is a free agent after the 2024 season.
So, while Thursday was a day for Yankee fans to celebrate the arrival of a generational talent, even Cashman acknowledges that there is a chance it is only enjoyed for one summer in the Bronx.
“Haven’t had any conversations regarding that,” Cashman said of a potential extension with Soto. “We understand he’s a free agent at the end of this term, but we understand it’s a possible short-term situation. But I know he’s going to make our team significantly better.”
Soto’s agent Scott Boras is notorious for guiding his clients into free agency to get them the highest possible payday, and Soto could be in line to get a bigger contract than any Boras client ever has. So, for now, Cashman hopes the Yankee experience leaves a mark on his newest player.
“Ultimately, the culture we have with the Yankees that we project constantly is our intent to win…we also want to protect and serve our players, put them in the best positon to succeed,” Cashman said. “That in itself and playing in front of one of the greatest fanbases in the world is all selling points on their own.
“We’re not gonna trick anybody. We’re not gonna be someone we’re not. We have good people here…there’s a lot to offer. I think that’s a recruiting beacon for anybody. We certainly want to try always under the Steinbrenner leadership to make this the Mecca of baseball…if we take care of stuff like that, the recruiting effort becomes somewhat automatic.”
More importantly, Cashman hopes the Yankees can get back to the experience of being a contender every October, and even if it is just for this upcoming autumn, he hopes Soto helps the franchise get back to those heights.
“We’re just very proud of the fact that we can call him a Yankee at this time,” Cashman said. “With the full intent of taking a shot at the title.”