Yankees’ Cashman Doesn’t Expect to Sign Juan Soto to Contract Extension
The New York Yankees have star outfielder Juan Soto on their roster for a good time, but perhaps not for a long time.
Yankees general manager Brian Cashman, who orchestrated the blockbuster trade with the San Diego Padres for the three-time All Star back in December, doesn't like the club's chances of signing Soto to a contract extension before he becomes a free agent after the 2024 season.
Cashman made that clear while speaking to MLB Network's Jon Morosi, saying that "the odds are this is a one-year situation."
Regarding Juan Soto, Brian Cashman said that “the odds are this is a one-year situation” before Soto will become a free agent.
— Bryan Hoch ⚾️ (@BryanHoch) February 15, 2024
“I don’t see too many things stopping him from reaching free agency.”
It makes sense that Soto, a client of hard-driving agent Scott Boras, would want to see what he's worth on the free agent market, especially if he produces big numbers with the Yankees.
But that doesn't mean the Yankees will just stand by and watch it happen.
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Cashman hinted that a good experience in New York could potentially aid the club at the negotiating table when it comes to a potential extension or re-signing of Soto in free agency.
“If he seems to really love it, maybe we’ll create that atmosphere where that door can get knocked on," Cashman said.
Soto, 25, has belted 160 career homers, the ninth-most through an age-24 season in league history, while posting a robust .421 OBP (On-Base Percentage) in six MLB seasons. He'll join a Yankees lineup that includes 2022 American League MVP Aaron Judge and former National League MVP Giancarlo Stanton.
Soto and the Yankees agreed to a one-year, $31 million deal for the 2024 season back in January, a record salary for an arbitration-eligible player.