Juan Soto is once again at Dodger Stadium, where the baseball world is abuzz about his future. His first time here was before the 2022 All-Star Game, when Soto was swarmed by reporters in the Center Field Plaza and questioned about his decision to reject a record-breaking $440 million, 15-year offer from Washington. Just hours later, the then-23-year-old claimed victory in the Home Run Derby.
Reflecting on that day, Soto said on Thursday, “That was crazy.” Now, wearing the New York Yankees’ gray uniform, he’s preparing for an even grander stage: the World Series. Ahead of Game 1, which coincides with his 26th birthday, the excitement about his next contract has only intensified. “Just give him as much money as you possibly can,” said his teammate Clarke Schmidt. “I think money talks. So whatever he needs, you’ve got to make it happen.”
After being traded to San Diego just two weeks after the 2022 All-Star Game and then moving to New York last December, Soto now faces his first Yankees-Dodgers World Series since 1981. He dodged questions about his upcoming free agency and the potential $600 million offers, deferring to his agent, Scott Boras. “Scott has been doing a really good job,” he said. “I’m just focused on playing baseball right now.”
Soto and Aaron Judge have become manager Aaron Boone’s go-to duo, batting in the Nos. 2 and 3 spots for 153 games this season, surpassing the 145 games Joe Dugan and Babe Ruth played together in 1923—a Yankees record. Those Yankees won the franchise’s first title, and now Soto and Judge aim for title No. 28.
Boone commented, “He’s loved being here, knowing what’s at stake. He’s perfectly fit in.” Soto arrived at spring training wearing a T-shirt that read “The Generational Juan Soto,” and he didn’t disappoint, hitting .288 with 41 home runs, 109 RBIs, and 129 walks. In nine postseason games, he’s batting .333 with three home runs, eight RBIs, and seven walks.
Soto credits his teammates for creating a supportive environment that lets him thrive. “They make it easy for me,” he said. “I feel really comfortable where I am, and I’m really happy.” Boras is presenting Soto as “The Greatest Surplus Value in Free Agent History.”
Soto helped Washington to its first championship in 2019, joining Mickey Mantle as the only players under 22 to drive in seven runs in a World Series. He’s since showcased his clutch hitting multiple times, with impactful postseason moments for Washington, San Diego, and now New York.
With the Yankees, he hit a decisive home run in the ALCS opener against Cleveland and delivered a 10th-inning, three-run homer in Game 5 against the Guardians to win the pennant. Boone praised the at-bat, calling it “for the ages.”
Soto quickly became a fan favorite at Yankee Stadium, adored by the Bleacher Creatures and backed by New York’s strong Dominican community. While he remains cautious about his free agency priorities, he acknowledged, “Every player wants to be happy where they are. Winning makes you happy at the end of the day.”
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