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

NEW YORK — Juan Soto walked slowly via the dugout, nonetheless sporting 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 remaining act in pinstripes? Seemingly an ideal match not simply in New York however anyplace, Soto shouldn’t have any scarcity of potential suitors following the Yankees’ 7-6 loss in Recreation 5 of the World Collection on Wednesday.

“It was positively a troublesome recreation to be my final one, however I’m actually pleased with what we achieved as a crew and the way far we acquired,” Soto mentioned. “Positively, we needed to be the final crew standing, however issues occur.”

The Yankees acquired Soto this previous December to bolster their possibilities of successful a championship, a transfer that helped them attain their first World Collection 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 Collection.

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

“It’s some huge cash that persons are speaking about,” Soto mentioned. “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 maintain him; as supervisor Aaron Boone mentioned, “I hope he’s right here without end.” They’ll have competitors from a number of groups, nearly actually together with the Mets. Soto mentioned that he’d wish 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 favor to remain in New York over anyplace else, Soto mentioned: “I’m actually pleased with the town, with the crew, how these guys do. However on the finish of the day, we’re going to take a look at each scenario, each provide 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 endurance whereas having fun with his best offensive season so far, setting profession highs in runs (128), hits (166), homers (41) complete bases (328), and extra-base hits (76).

“I’m pleased with the yr that Juan had,” Decide mentioned. “It was enjoyable to come back 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 proper choice for him and his household. We had been positively fortunate to have him right here and it might be nice to maintain enjoying with him.”

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

“He had a implausible yr,” Gerrit Cole mentioned. “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 degree, I’m excited for him.”

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

“It was enjoyable attending to know his household a bit of bit. I think about him household now,” Boone mentioned. “He was simply really easy to handle. Simply anyone I’ve a variety of admiration for and a variety of respect for. I hope he is right here without end, 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 choice), 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 mentioned. “This yr was actually particular for me.”