Sal: Yankees losing Juan Soto would be one of the 'biggest blunders' in franchise history

Juan Soto continues to meet with interested clubs as one of the most hyped free agencies in MLB history ramps up, and the Yankees have concluded their initial face-to-face with the superstar they are hoping to retain for the long haul.

As the Yanks pursue Soto after a career year in the Bronx, Sal Licata says losing Soto in free agency would be an all-time gaffe by one of the most prestigious franchises in sports.

“Getting to the World Series, is that enough?” Sal said. “I think this could be one of the biggest blunders in Yankee history when you talk about trading for Soto, not doing enough around Soto, and potentially losing him. That would be awful.

“Which is why they can’t afford to lose him. They have to keep him here.”

The Yankees are the most valuable franchise in baseball, and they had an up-close view of Soto’s impact in 2024. To trade for him, fall just short, and then watch Soto leave for a division rival like the Blue Jays or a crosstown foe like the Mets, would be an epic blunder by the Bombers.

“It shouldn’t be acceptable,” Sal said. “There’s no way the New York Yankees, after trading for Juan Soto, can excuse letting him walk for more money…since when are they gonna get outbid for a player they want that is theirs? By the Blue Jays or the Mets? Come on!

“If someone else is willing to give it to them, why, if you’re the Yankees, suck it up and give it to him? They’re the Yankees!”