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Juan Soto held his first news conference with the New York Yankees on Tuesday, addressing the media on a Zoom call wearing a Yankees hat — and though he smiled when asked about the installation of the hat for the first time, he did not commit to sign. an extension of contract.
He didn’t punish either.
“They know where to call and who to talk to,” he said, referring to spokesman Scott Boras. “I’m just here to play baseball.”
That was the message that Soto reiterated in the 30 minute session. He’s looking forward to meeting his new teammates — Aaron Judge, among others, have already reached out to him — and learning about the organization.
His perfect season was winning a championship. He brings energy to the ball and clubhouse to every game. Eligible for free agency after the 2024 season, however, Soto understands he will face constant questions about staying in New York, and said it won’t be difficult to focus. in baseball rather than his potential paying monster what some see as a $400 million contract. .
“I’ve been doing it for six years,” he said. “I don’t think it will be too difficult, Scott Boras is my agent, I leave everything to him and let him give his advice. My mindset is to come here to play baseball and try to win a championship.”
That’s why the Yankees made the deal: They missed the playoffs in 2023 for the first time since 2016 after finishing 25th in the most goals scored. The Yankees acquired Soto and center fielder Trent Grisham from the San Diego Padres on Dec. 6 for right-handed pitchers Michael King, Randy Vasquez, Jhony Brito and Drew Thorpe and catcher Kyle Higashioka.
In one of the most important games in recent memory, Soto reached the milestone as a 19-year-old in 2018 and helped the Washington Nationals win the World Series in 2019. hit .333 with three runs in a seven-game winning streak against the Houston Astros.
Compared to Ted Williams because of his ability to hit high, he may not have reached those lofty expectations, but since his first full season in 2019, no hitter has had more games. than Sotho. According to Baseball-Reference, he has produced 208 more runs than average; Freddie Freeman and Judge are tied for second with 189 rounds. He led the majors in walks each of the past three seasons and posted a .400-plus on-base percentage in each year of his career, leading the majors in 2020 (.490) and 2021 (. 465).
The Yankees were also desperate for more lefties for the lineup: They were 27th in OPS against lefties (.673) and 28th in strikeouts. building (55). Grisham also hits left-handed, as does Alex Verdugo, acquired from the Boston Red Sox in another trade.
While the Padres were happy as a team, Soto hit .275/.410/.519 with 35 home runs, 109 RBIs and 132 walks, ranking ninth in the majors in OPS. That number could climb as he heads to Yankee Stadium, where he has hit four home runs in 28 career appearances. He also leaves Petco Park, a tough spot for hitters, as he hits 23 of his 35 home runs on the road. Soto sprays the ball in the outfield but should be able to handle the right shortstop at Yankee Stadium.
“I know there is a very short window there and it will be in your mind,” he said, “but I will definitely try to stay the same way I did. “
However, since the Yankees gave up Michael King – who was expected to be one of their starting pitchers – in the trade, along with three other youngsters in Thorpe, Vasquez and Brito, it will empowering general manager Brian Cashman and holding Soto’s signature. After all, the Yankees have passed other famous players in recent years: Bryce Harper, Manny Machado and, this season, Shohei Ohtani.
Given Soto’s age and production, an extension to Mike Trout’s $426 million contract, the second-largest in the game, could be worth it. Soto reportedly turned down a 15-year, $440 million offer from the Nationals through 2022, prompting a trade that summer to the Padres.