Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner made a “great pitch” to mega-star free-agent hitter Juan Soto, according to a friend, so whether they re-sign Soto or not – and the Soto Sweepstakes are wide open between a possible final five teams (and maybe a sixth) — the Yankees accomplished what they needed to at their high-powered get-together Monday.
Soto previously formed very close relationships at stops with owners of the Nationals (Ted Lerner) and Padres (Peter Seidler), and Soto’s friend said he was hoping for the same with Steinbrenner.
While it didn’t happen during Soto’s first season in the Bronx, with Steinbrenner mainly using long-time Yankees stars Aaron Judge and Gerrit Cole as clubhouse contacts, Steinbrenner nicely explained at Soto’s California confab that he “didn’t want to disrupt Juan’s routine,” or words to that effect.
The Yankees met with Juan Soto this week.Robert Sabo for NY Post
While he loved the Judge-led clubhouse, Soto is seeking a strong rapport with whatever owner he’s partnering with for up to the next 15 seasons
And word is he felt better about Steinbrenner and the Yankees after their meeting, when MLB’s most marquee franchise also emphasized their edge over everyone else in revenue, tradition and brand.
GM Brian Cashman filled him in on their player development history, and they also mentioned how they even developed the Mets and Phillies managers (Carlos Mendoza and Rob Thomson).
The Yankees were smart not to cut down the rival Mets but did mention how they spearheaded efforts to help the deep-pocketed Steve Cohen win the rival team. (That position could ultimately come back to bite them in cases like this, as they had to know.)
Yankees people believe Soto, like most free agents, will take the best deal, which is why the Mets with Cohen are probably as well-positioned as anyone.
Steinbrenner publicly painted an accurate picture when he said he had “no idea” how this will turn out. It’s a battle of five teams (six if the Phillies get in; while they’re interested, they didn’t have a meeting yet) and some don’t expect the Yankees to be high bidders when bids start coming in about now.
Hal Steinbrenner at the MLB Owners meetings on Nov. 20, 2024.Gabriella Bass
Here’s a rundown of the pluses and minuses of the five sure Soto contenders (plus the Philly possibility):
1. Mets
Pluses: Owner Steve Cohen has more money than anyone and is just as motivated. They have $150M coming off the books and are a team on the rise.
Minuses: They’re missing 60 percent of a rotation (though Cohen and Co. surely told Soto they intend to fill those openings well.) A Yankees-to-Mets move is unusual.
Scott Boras talks with Mets owner Steve Cohen.Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
2. Yankees
Pluses: They contend every year. Soto loved the clubhouse. They also lead MLB in revenue.
Minuses: While he enjoyed the Bleacher Creature Roll Call, some think he prefers things somewhat quieter. Steinbrenner is “gung ho” over Soto, but they don’t relish bidding wars.
3. Blue Jays
Pluses: Owner Edward Rogers has money and is motivated. They have Vlad Guerrero Jr. to bat behind him (but he’s a free agent after 2025). It’s a big city but quieter and calmer.
Minuses: Canadian tax. Rough 2024 season.
4. Dodgers
Pluses: They have the best roster. Their organization is top notch. Guggenheim Partners can afford him even after spending $1 billion plus last winter. Soto loved San Diego and the West Coast generally is not viewed negatively.
Minuses: They don’t often win bidding wars. It is far from his parents in the Dominican.
5. Red Sox
Pluses: Fenway fits him even better than Yankee Stadium, as they told him. Co-owner Tom Werner, manager Alex Cora and Co. impressed in the meeting.
Minuses: While they’ve won four World Series this century, they’ve finished last three of the last five seasons.
Juan Soto and Aaron Judge celebrate for Yankees.Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
6? Phillies
Pluses: Owner John Middleton craves to win and just took on new investors. Soto likes hitting coach Kevin Long, Bryce Harper and Trea Turner from Nats days.
Minuses: They may be late. (Are they trying to clear salary first?)
