Juan Soto and Yankees proprietor Hal Steinbrenner had a one-on-one assembly in July, stories Brendan Kuty of the Athletic. The four-time All-Star confirmed the dialog, telling Kuty that “it was good to get to know the proprietor, get to see what he’s fascinated by me and every part.”
Soto didn’t present any specifics. Nonetheless, Kuty stories that the overall focus of the dialog was on Soto’s expertise with the group. “It’s at all times good to see (an proprietor) coming over not less than to say hello,” the outfielder advised The Athletic, “see how we’re doing, what we take into account, this and that. It’s nice to have an proprietor that actually cares for gamers.”
Steinbrenner hasn’t been shy about his need to maintain the famous person in pinstripes. The proprietor mentioned in Might that he was open to in-season extension talks. Soto closed that down just a few weeks later, reiterating in June that he and agent Scott Boras would wait till the offseason to fret about contract phrases. Contemplating Soto has reportedly declined various extension provides all through his profession, there was by no means a lot doubt that he’d take a look at free company.
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The Yankees are going to face a push from the crosstown Mets and will have some quantity of competitors for Soto’s providers from each high-payroll franchise. One assembly between Soto and Steinbrenner isn’t going to alter the chances of retaining him round, but it surely’s presumably a little bit of a preview of the months to come back.
Soto has established a brand new profession excessive with 41 homers throughout his first season within the Bronx. He leads the American League with 128 runs scored and is hitting .288/.418/.572 throughout 704 journeys to the plate. By measure of wRC+, Soto has been 80 proportion factors higher than a league common batter. That’s his greatest mark in a 162-game schedule.
