New York Yankees outfielder Juan Soto expressed his desire for career stability during his media availability for the All-Star Game on Monday. He mentioned that he hopes to wear one jersey for a long time once he signs his next contract.
“It’s a little uncomfortable wearing different jerseys and changing teams,” Soto said in Spanish, as reported by Jorge Castillo of ESPN. “I’m looking forward to wearing one for a long time.”
Earlier in the season, Soto had shared similar sentiments after joining the Yankees from the San Diego Padres through a trade. He has made it clear that he is committed to playing for the Yankees for the remainder of the ongoing season, but there are reports suggesting that he may reach free agency after the season.
Despite a strong start in the spring, the Yankees faced a slump during the summer and entered the All-Star break with a record of 58-40. They are currently trailing the first-place Baltimore Orioles by one game in the American League East standings.
“Who wouldn’t want to be with a team that wins? For me, while you’re on a winning team, it’s always good to be there and be a part of it,” Soto commented on his uncertain future.
According to Castillo, the Washington Nationals, New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies, Boston Red Sox, and Chicago Cubs are expected to compete with the Yankees for Soto’s services later this year. Soto previously played for the Nationals and has been linked with the Mets recently.
There is speculation that the Mets may let All-Star first baseman Pete Alonso test free agency in order to afford Soto.
“If I knew the future,” Soto remarked, “I would play the lottery. Nobody knows the future. At the end of the day, I’m enjoying this moment, representing the New York Yankees. … I’m very happy to be part of (the game), but nobody knows what will happen next year.”
As of Tuesday morning, DraftKings Sportsbook listed the Yankees as the third betting favorites at +550 odds to win the 2024 World Series. A successful run in this year’s Fall Classic could potentially persuade Soto to stay with the Yankees through a lucrative contract offer.
