The Los Angeles Dodgers are officially World Series champions, meaning the Juan Soto sweepstakes has officially begun.
The 26-year-old superstar was one of the last remaining New York Yankees players out of the dugout after a 7-6 loss, sitting on the top bunk with his batting helmet on and gloves on for the final I was waiting for my turn to bat and watching the celebration. It never came.
Soto was asked in his postgame press conference whether staying one season with the Yankees would give him any advantage in signing a long-term contract.
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Juan Soto of the New York Yankees takes off his batting gloves after hitting a grounder during Game 3 of the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Monday, Oct. 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vasquez)
“I think every team has the same chance when it comes to free agency. I don't want to say who has an advantage because at the end of the day, it comes down to seeing what they have and how much they want it. “It’s me,” Soto said.
The Yankees may not have the advantage, but this was a season Soto will remember for a long time.
“This is going to stay in my heart forever. This group of guys, this year was really special for me. I'm really proud of what I accomplished. Thanks to (Aaron) Judge, he A big part of it is I'm really proud of myself and this group,” Soto said.
The outfielder had the best season of his career in front of Judge, hitting .288 with 41 home runs and 129 walks, second only to Judge.
Soto improved even more in the Yankees' playoff run, hitting .327 with a .469 on-base percentage and four home runs, including the extra-inning blast against the Cleveland Guardians that sent the Yankees to the World Series.
Dodgers come from behind to beat the Yankees in Game 5 and win the World Series
New York's Juan Soto reacts to fellow outfielder Aaron Judge after Judge drops a fly ball in the bottom of the fifth inning of Game 5 of the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Yankee Stadium. (James Lang-Iman image)
His teammates definitely want him back. Giancarlo Stanton was asked if he had any advice for Soto as he becomes a free agent.
“I've never entered (free agency). I just want him to be with us,” Stanton said.
Judge became a free agent following his record-setting MVP season in 2022 and offered advice to Soto.
“Enjoy the process. There are very few times in your career where you get to choose where you want to go. A guy like that is going to call every team that can afford to call him,” Judge Said.
Yankees fans showered Soto with praise throughout the season, with chants of “Re-sign Soto” becoming a regular occurrence at home games. Soto was asked if support from Yankees fans influenced his decision.
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Yankees' Juan Soto reacts after taking off during a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the World Series on Monday, Oct. 28, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vasquez)
“(It) will probably influence ownership decisions. I'm really grateful to our fans. They've been great all year long.”
Soto's contract could ultimately be worth well over $500 million. That's because he's a rare player who becomes a free agent before his prime, and he's already one of the best hitters in the sport.
The Yankees also have several other key players in free agency, including second baseman Gleyber Torres, outfielder Alex Verdugo, and relievers Clay Holmes, Tommy Kahnle and Tim Hill.
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