Juan Soto ready for free agency after Yankees’ World Series exit

NEW YORK — Juan Soto walked slowly by the dugout, nonetheless carrying a helmet in anticipation of an at-bat that may by no means come. The Dodgers had been gleefully celebrating a championship on and across the Yankee Stadium mound, spurring many of the Yankees to make a hasty retreat towards their clubhouse. He lingered.

Soto eliminated the helmet and continued holding a bat in his left hand, showing to gather his ideas earlier than performing an indication of the cross and pointing skyward. Was it his ultimate act in pinstripes? Seemingly an ideal match not simply in New York however wherever, Soto should not have any scarcity of potential suitors following the Yankees’ 7-6 loss in Sport 5 of the World Sequence on Wednesday.

“It was undoubtedly a troublesome sport to be my final one, however I’m actually proud of what we achieved as a group and the way far we received,” Soto stated. “Positively, we wished to be the final group standing, however issues occur.”

The Yankees acquired Soto this previous December to bolster their possibilities of profitable a championship, a transfer that helped them attain their first World Sequence since 2009.

However whereas Soto’s teammates and Yankees followers spent months gushing about his impression and presence — “Stick with us,” was Giancarlo Stanton’s parting message — Soto made it clear that he supposed to check free company 5 days after the World Sequence.

Soto stated he and his agent, Scott Boras, will quickly sit down and consider his selections. There figures to be quite a few presents, with media reviews speculating that he might web a contract in extra of $600 million.

“It’s some huge cash that persons are speaking about,” Soto stated. “We’re going to shake it out, what’s my worth, the place I’m going to be round and go from there.”

The Yankees would like to hold him; as supervisor Aaron Boone stated, “I hope he’s right here endlessly.” They’ll have competitors from a number of groups, nearly actually together with the Mets. Soto stated that he’d prefer to play for a winner, however as for the remainder of his priorities, these are remaining near the vest for now.

Requested if he would like to remain in New York over wherever else, Soto stated: “I’m actually proud of the town, with the group, how these guys do. However on the finish of the day, we’re going to take a look at each scenario, each supply that we get, after which take a call from that.”

Pairing with Aaron Decide on the high of the Yankees’ lineup, the 26-year-old Soto displayed energy and persistence whereas having fun with his best offensive season up to now, setting profession highs in runs (128), hits (166), homers (41) complete bases (328), and extra-base hits (76).

“I’m pleased with the 12 months that Juan had,” Decide stated. “It was enjoyable to return to work with him each single day. Simply the work he places in behind the scenes, even when the man was hitting .320, I’d see him hitting late after the video games. He was exhibiting up early, doing work.

“No matter he and his household determine, he prays on it, he’s going to make the correct resolution for him and his household. We had been undoubtedly fortunate to have him right here and it could be nice to maintain enjoying with him.”

It was capped by a postseason that included a go-ahead, three-run homer in Sport 5 of the American League Championship Sequence at Cleveland, an epic seven-pitch battle in opposition to Hunter Gaddis that completely encapsulated Soto’s swagger and theatrical allure.

“He had a incredible 12 months,” Gerrit Cole stated. “He was only a actual Regular Eddie presence for us. He simply introduced so many nice qualities to our membership. He’s actually earned this chance going ahead within the subsequent 5 days, and so forth a private stage, I’m excited for him.”

The clock learn 1:27 a.m. as Soto shed the backwards Yankees cap he’d stored on all through his postgame interviews, donning a inexperienced and white flannel jacket as he walked out of the house clubhouse. Will he move by these doorways once more? Solely time will inform, however for now, Boone stated it was “an absolute privilege” to have Soto on the roster.

“It was enjoyable attending to know his household just a little bit. I think about him household now,” Boone stated. “He was simply really easy to handle. Simply someone I’ve quite a lot of admiration for and quite a lot of respect for. I hope he is right here endlessly, however I additionally know I am excited for him and what the following few months are for him. However from my standpoint, I could not have requested for higher.”

Soto headlines a bunch of Yankees with out ensures to return in 2025, which incorporates Anthony Rizzo (membership possibility), plus potential free brokers Clay Holmes, Tim Hill, Tommy Kahnle, Gleyber Torres and Alex Verdugo.

“That is going to remain in my coronary heart for the remainder of my life, this group of men,” Soto stated. “This 12 months was actually particular for me.”