Even before Juan Soto stepped onto the field as a member of the Yankees for the first time, the outfielder’s pending free agency this coming winter has been a hot topic around the league.
Now with roughly 2 1/2 weeks remaining in the regular season and a level of production that has at least put him in the AL MVP conversation, the speculation on Soto’s possible landing spots during the offseason have gained even more steam.
Through 142 games in his first season in New York, Soto is among the top four in the American League in OPS (.998, second behind teammate Aaron Judge), slugging (.580, third) and OBP (.418, second behind Judge). Also, after an inspirational home run in Wednesday’s series finale against the Royals, Soto is one away from reaching 40 for the first time in his career.
It’s safe to say that Soto has met the high expectations that the Yankees and their fan base had for the slugger. But after almost a whole season, have the expectations that Soto himself set for his new team been met?
“My expectation is winning a championship, so we’re not there yet,” Soto said. “But without a doubt, I’ve been happy with the organization, how they’ve made me feel. I think what’s been most important is how I’ve felt with my teammates. They’ve been the main ingredient in making me feel comfortable here and enjoying every moment. But we still have to meet that one expectation — winning a championship. That’s No. 1.”
Soto has enjoyed the chemistry that he has developed while sharing the outfield with the consensus AL MVP favorite: Judge.
Aside from seeing what Soto can do for New York’s lineup, Judge, just like most fans, has been impressed with what Soto brings to the team in general, so much so that the Yankees captain was a significant part of the “Sign Soto!” chants that came from the Yankee Stadium stands during a game a few weeks ago.
“Aaron is a tremendous teammate. He always gives me some sort of gesture to listen to what they’re yelling,” said Soto while laughing. “At the end of the day, I let him know that I definitely hear it. But we always try to have fun with what we do out there.”
A warm welcome, a smooth transition to a greater spotlight, what he describes as a special clubhouse atmosphere and what the club hopes could be a long playoff run: Are those factors enough to make Soto have the Bronx in mind as his home for the rest of his playing career?
Soto couldn’t help but laugh after hearing that question and then had a brief pause — which could be a preview of what he will need to do before making his decision this winter.
“I can’t lie, they’ve made me feel like home,” Soto admitted. “But of course, there are options. You never rule out any team. I’ve felt very comfortable since I got here, and we really have to wait and see what happens in free agency. But yes, I’ve felt really comfortable where I am right now.”
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