As the dust settles on a crushing World Series loss, the New York Yankees are left with one burning question: will Juan Soto return to the Bronx, or is he poised to test the waters in free agency? After a one-year, $31 million contract, Soto’s tenure with the Yankees officially ended as the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrated their swift victory in Game 5, leaving Soto and his fans pondering his next move.
Soto’s contract value is expected to skyrocket, with some estimates placing his future deal in the eye-popping $500-$700 million range, potentially rivaling Dodgers’ phenom Shohei Ohtani for the league’s highest annual average value (AAV). Despite the intense speculation, Soto himself has made it clear: he’s open to fielding offers from all 30 teams. This non-committal stance could open up a fierce bidding war, with the Yankees, Mets, and Dodgers emerging as potential frontrunners. With super-agent Scott Boras representing him, Soto is likely to seek not only a historic payday but also a team with legitimate World Series aspirations.
Reflecting on the Yankees’ heartbreaking Game 5 loss, Soto said, “We wanted to be the last team standing, but things happen.” He admitted it was tough for such a game to be his last in pinstripes but expressed gratitude for a memorable 2024 season. Paired with Aaron Judge, the Soto-Judge duo became a juggernaut, demolishing records and revitalizing Yankees’ fans’ hopes. However, with Soto’s free agency, this powerhouse partnership now hangs in the balance.
Judge, who formed a formidable bond with Soto both on and off the field, couldn’t hide his hopes for a continued partnership. “All of us want him back in the Bronx,” Judge shared, underscoring the sentiment felt across the entire Yankees roster. Giancarlo Stanton’s heartfelt three-word plea—“Stay with us”—echoes the desires of Yankees fans and teammates alike. Gerrit Cole and manager Aaron Boone have also expressed their desire for Soto’s return, with Boone going so far as to say he considers Soto “family.”
Reflecting on his time with the Yankees, Soto was emotional, saying, “This is going to stay in my heart for the rest of my life, this group of guys. This year was really special for me.” His words have only intensified speculation on whether he’ll stay loyal to New York or seek greener pastures elsewhere.
As the hot stove season kicks off, Yankees fans can only wait and hope that Soto chooses to remain in the Bronx, where the dream of a World Series title is still alive. Will the Yankees’ heartfelt pleas and the love of New York sway him, or will Soto chase the biggest deal? The stage is set for one of the most intense free agency battles in recent memory, and all eyes are now on Juan Soto.
