Juan Soto was all smiles in his new Yankees cap as he was introduced during Tuesday’s virtual press conference.
When asked about potentially making the interlocking NY the final hat he dons in his playing career, the Bombers’ newest superstar didn’t shoot down the idea, but kept the door wide open for testing the free agency waters next winter.
“My priority right now is just getting to know the team and know the guys,” Soto said. “For me, I am going to New York…wherever I meet those guys, and try to get a good relationship and stick together and get to know those guys, and try to get the same goal. That’s what my main thing is right now.
“Any contract stuff, they know where to call and who to talk to. I’m here just to play baseball.”
Baseball will be Soto’s focus in 2024, even while questions will certainly swirl regarding potential contract extension discussions, much like what followed Aaron Judge around before he hit free agency after his historic 2022 campaign. Soto, who many expect to get the richest contract in the history of the sport aside from Shohei Ohtani, has no concerns about getting swallowed up in talks about his future.
“It’s not gonna be that hard,” Soto said. “I have one of the best agents in the league. I put everything on him and let him do his magic.”
That agent is Scott Boras, who is notorious for leading his clients into free agency to get the maximum payday. Soto will leave money talk to Boras, while he focuses on feasting on the short porch and enjoying his time in pinstripes, even if it is for just one season.
“More than excited to be here and in the spot that I am,” Soto said. “It’s really exciting to see this organization and to be a part of it for the next season. I’m really excited to join the team.”
The feeling is mutual, as Soto noted several Yankees that reached out after the trade was announced, who he will spend the winter getting to know before making his debut next march.
His teammates, and the Yankee fanbase, will have to hope it will be his first of many Opening Days as a Yankee.
“I got messages from Gleyber, Rizzo, Gerrit Cole, a lot of them/ They told me they’re really excited to have me on the team,” Soto said, adding that Aaron Judge also reached out. “I'm more than excited to share the field with him…he was one of the guys to reach out to me when I got traded.
“I’ll try to pick his mind when I’m there, and try to enjoy the moment while I’m there.”
