Juan Soto put on a Yankees cap Tuesday and almost immediately, the attention turned to his future in The Bronx.
After being traded to the Yankees last week, with one year left on his contract before he hits free agency, Soto held his introductory press conference via Zoom on Tuesday and was asked whether he would be open to signing an extension.
“My priorities right now are just getting to know the team, getting to know the guys,” Soto said, logged in under the Zoom name “22,” the number he is keeping with the Yankees. “Going to New York, going to Tampa [the spring training complex], whenever I’m going to meet those guys, and try to get a good relationship and really stick together, get to know those guys. Try to get the same goal on Day 1. That’s what my main thing is right now.
“About any contract stuff, they know where to call and who to talk to. I’m here just to play baseball and try to keep concentrating on playing baseball.”
Soto was referring to his agent, Scott Boras, who was also on the Zoom call.
General manager Brian Cashman said last week that the Yankees had not yet spoken to Boras — whose clients generally go to free agency so they can maximize their market — about any potential extension.
Soto indicated he would let Boras handle those talks if they were to happen.
For that reason, the 25-year-old superstar outfielder said he wasn’t concerned about getting caught up in thinking about his future next season.
“I mean, I’ve been doing it for six years,” he said with a chuckle. “I think it’s not going to be that hard, because I have one of the best agents in the league. So I put everything on him and let him do his magic. For me, my mindset is coming here to play baseball and try to win a championship.”
Playing in The Bronx in 2024 will allow Soto the chance to consider whether it is somewhere he would be comfortable playing long-term.
“We just gotta get to know the organization, get to know the team,” he said. “Right now I’m more than excited to get there and see those guys and see how big is Aaron Judge and [Giancarlo] Stanton. It’s going to be pretty cool. That’s what I’m looking for right now, is just to get comfortable on the team and watch how it’s going to be and how we’re going to grow.”