Yankees’ Hal Steinbrenner understands pressure from fans to sign Juan Soto: ‘I’m all ears’

admin November 20, 2024

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Yankees’ Hal Steinbrenner understands pressure from fans to sign Juan Soto: ‘I’m all ears’

The Juan Soto sweepstakes is the latest free agent battle the New York Yankees are trying to win, and owner Hal Steinbrenner discussed how his meeting with the left-handed slugger and his main agent, Scott Boras, went.

Or at least that’s what he was allowed to say about the meeting.

“An honest, back-and-forth dialogue” ensued, lasting “several hours,” according to the New York Post.

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New York Yankees’ Juan Soto celebrates after hitting a home run against the Cleveland Guardians during the third inning in Game 1 of the AL Championship Series Oct. 14, 2024, New York. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Not that Soto really needs to be sold on playing for the Yankees. He spent the entire 2024 season with them and ended up in the World Series, in large part because of his success in the Bronx.

But Steinbrenner asked, without divulging details, what the Yankees’ player development program looks like as it plays a big role in how teams perform now and in the future. Soto is looking for a long-term home and wants to make sure his next team is competitive.

Steinbrenner was asked several times what he believed Soto’s ambitions were, and the Yankees owner replied “It makes no sense.”

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“We’re going to be in the mix,” Steinbrenner said. “All I know is that he’s got this thing figured out, and he’s going to get through the process.”

Yankees fans await Soto’s free agency decision with bated breath, hoping that their 2024 All-Star will pressure their teammates for the next decade or more.

New York Yankees’ Juan Soto celebrates after hitting a home run in the 10th inning against the Cleveland Guardians during Game 5 of the American League Championship Series at Progressive Field Oct. 19, 2024, in Cleveland. (Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

But there are contenders elsewhere, including the New York Mets, with MLB’s richest owner, Steve Cohen. The Philadelphia Phillies, the Boston Red Sox, the Toronto Blue Jays and the World Series-winning Los Angeles Dodgers could also be redeemers.

Soto’s 26-year-old talent is more than enough for many to believe he will receive the biggest contract in sports history.

Yankees fans have urged the franchise to spend whatever it takes to keep Soto at Yankee Stadium. And Steinbrenner hears the pleading and chanting inside the stadium.

“I have ears,” he said. “I know what is expected of me. It was a priority. I wouldn’t have come out to the West Coast if it wasn’t for that.

“We listen to our fans. Our fans are very excited to have him in New York. He’s definitely a big part of why we got to the World Series.”