Aaron Boone Says Juan Soto Spending ‘Loving’ Time With Yankees As Free Agency Looms for ALDS
NEW YORK – New York Yankees CEO Gerrit Cole sat in front of a room full of reporters and TV cameras a day before he was to start Game 1 of the American League Division Series against the Kansas City Royals. He was just asked something he had never thought about before.
Is there extra pressure to win a World Series this year since there’s no guarantee right fielder Juan Soto won’t leave via free agency in the winter?
Cole paused.
“I just kind of enjoyed it, especially while we still have it,” he said. “And he can’t go anywhere now.”
It wasn’t the only time Soto’s future came up just hours before the Yankees’ biggest game of the season. The upcoming lottery for his services, which could exceed $500 million, has been a hot topic.
Manager Aaron Boone talked about it. Soto discussed it. Midfielder Aaron Judge reflected on what it was like to line up behind the Dominican Republic-born slugger for an entire season.
“Oh,” said Judge, “it was a treat.”
Soto, who turns 26 next season, just completed perhaps the most productive regular season of his career — and at the perfect time.
In 157 games, he hit a career-high 41 home runs while leading the league in runs scored (128), hitting .288 and driving in 109 runs. His .988 OPS was third-best in the majors behind Judge and Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers, the presumptive favorites for the AL and National League MVPs.
The Yankees will be among the many teams vying to sign Soto to a contract that could set a record for a position player. Last week, The Athletics exclusively reported that Soto met privately with owner Hal Steinbrenner in July and the pair discussed how Soto has enjoyed his time in the Bronx and what could possibly be made better from a player’s perspective. The AthleticsTim Britton recently predicted that Soto could land a deal worth $560 million.
“I think he’s excited to be here,” Boone said, “and to be part of this team and know what’s at stake and what he can do.”
Real? Why does Soto like being part of the Yankees?
“I just interact with him every day on some level,” the manager said. “And to me, it seems like he’s enjoying it here.
“I would probably enjoy my time too if I went out every day with those skills. Watch how he communicates with his teammates and how easily he moves around the room. And in my opinion, having him in our room tells me that.”
A taste of it #postseason in The Bronx for Juan Soto, narrated by Nick Swisher 🗽 pic.twitter.com/Un68g8dMji
— MLB (@MLB) October 4, 2024
Soto was asked if Boone’s assessment was correct. He didn’t say no.
“I like it here,” Soto said. “It’s always great to be on a winning team. I’ll say that. It’s always fun to be on a winning team with a winning group. That’s all we want to hear: win. I think every player looks forward to that their entire life and career. Just to be part of a winning team.”
Soto added that he’s not thinking about free agency, even if it’s only a month away.
“Right now,” he said, “we’re focused on the playoffs. We talked about getting another championship so we can do our best together.”
Judge said his biggest takeaway from playing with Soto is how much he helped him on the board. The judge said Soto routinely sees a lot of throws and opponents throw their best stuff at him. It all gives Judge a glimpse into how that pitcher might attack him when it’s his turn at the plate.
“He’s just the ultimate team player,” Judge said, “the ultimate guy you want at the top of your lineup. I’m looking forward to being behind him for a while in this postseason.”
Boone recalled his first conversation with Soto as a member of the Yankees.
It was shortly after the team acquired him from the San Diego Padres in December. Boone called Soto from his home in the hallway outside his bedroom. Since then, Boone said, Soto has only gained more favor with the Yankees.
“I gained an appreciation for his love for the game, which you can see, and obviously he’s just been a really good teammate and person in our (clubhouse),” Boone said. “He obviously came in here with a lot of attention and all the attention that comes with being a free agent at the end of the year, and you’ve never felt that before. What matters is that I am part of this team, and he fits in perfectly. It was really nice to get to know him and see how much he cares about his profession.”
Will Boone and the Yankees get a chance to get to know Soto after this season? Even before the Yankees’ biggest game, it was a question that loomed as large as it has all year.
(Photo: Luke Hales/Getty Images)
