To what extent will Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees impact Juan Soto’s decision to enter free agency? Although no one is certain, it might surpass their on-field output from a single season in pinstripes.
Judge told reporters last week that he hasn’t spoken to Soto since the World Series ended on October 30. Two former Yankees feel that Judge isn’t doing enough if his offseason efforts are to be evaluated.
On Monday’s Foul Territory, former third baseman Todd Frazier and former catcher Erik Kratz expressed their dismay after hearing Judge’s remarks regarding a lack of communication, stating that Judge ought to play a more significant role in the Yankees Soto discussions.
Frazier suggested that they call Judge back into a meeting. They ought to exert every effort to persuade this man to join the Yankees. I would be phoning daily. Can we have another conversation? Why are you doing this? … Although I don’t think what he’s doing is wrong, I would probably go a step farther. I would give it a shot at least once. I would refrain from berating and harassing him, but, you know, send him a text, Yankees? Hey, you’re still loved by the Boogie Down.
The Yankees were heartened by their discussion on November 18, according to Bob Klapisch of NJ Advance Media, who spoke with a source. However, owner Hal Steinbrenner told reporters a few days later that he had no idea where the Yankees stood.
Although he admitted that it might be their approach to business decisions, Kratz had higher expectations for Judge this offseason and even questioned the relationship’s strength.
I don’t want to delve too deeply, but it’s possible that they didn’t connect during the year. Kratz stated, “If someone is my boy, I’m pressuring him to stick with my team.” Yes. I’m trying to get him to say, “Hey, we can’t mess this up.” And occasionally, when men visit for a year, they don’t always bond for a single season.
I’m obviously going too far with this, and I could be going too far by saying that, but I would like someone to convince me to stay with a team, but I don’t think that’s what he’s after. That’s not necessarily what Juan is searching for, in my opinion.
In actuality, no one is aware of Soto’s preferences. According to reports surrounding his free agency, Soto, 26, will be searching for the largest payout in terms of both money and deal duration.That opinion is reinforced by Soto’s decision to turn down a $440 million, 15-year contract with the Washington Nationals in 2022, with Scott Boras serving as his agent. His next contract will probably be for $600 million and at least 13 years.
Randy Miller of NJ Advance Media was informed on Monday by a someone with knowledge of the matter that Soto has received first offers from the Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Mets, and Yankees. Soto is expected to sign during the Winter Meetings, which are scheduled for December 9–12.
Last season with the Yankees, Soto recorded a career-high 41 home runs and a.288/.419/.569 slash line with 109 RBIs. His OPS+ was 178.
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