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Juan Soto’s contract expires after the Yankees’ run to the World Series. What you need to know

Juan Soto’s contract expires after the Yankees’ run to the World Series. What you need to know

After New York Yankees won On October 19, in the American League Championship Series against the Cleveland Guardians, the crowd in Cleveland began chanting: “Re-sign Soto.”

Fans had been rooting for the Yankees to keep right fielder Juan Soto at their home stadium in the Bronx for months, but the rallying cry came nearly 500 miles away from Soto. matchmakerTTed a Goahourhead hwell, run in the 10th inning of Game 5 of the ALCS.

A three-run home run powered the Yankees to a 5–2 victory over the Guardians and sent the Yankees to the World Series, where they will face the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Soto, who turns 26 on Oct. 25, the same day as Game 1 of the World Series, has been one of the Yankees’ leading hitters in the postseason, batting .333 with three home runs and eight runs scored.

But unlike other Yankees stars such as center fielder Aaron Judgewho signed nine-year, $360 million contract In 2022, Soto was playing on a one-year contract through 2024, meaning he’s poised to become a free agent once the World Series ends.

Here’s what you need to know about Soto’s future with the Yankees.

Juan Soto after the Yankees captured the 2024 American League pennant.
Soto celebrates on the field after leading the Yankees to victory over the Guardians on October 19.Mary DeCicco/MLB Photos via Getty Images

Is Juan Soto under contract until 2025?

Soto is not under contract through the 2025 season with any team. Before joining the Yankees, Soto played for San Diego Padres and Washington Nationals.

How much was Juan Soto’s contract worth for 2024?

After Soto was traded from the Padres to the Yankees in 2023, the Yankees and Soto agreed to a record salary of $31 million for the 2024 season.

Soto’s salary exceeded the previous record for an arbitration-eligible player, set by Shohei Ohtaniwho negotiated a $30 million salary in 2022 with the Los Angeles Angels before signing 10-year contract worth $700 million. with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2023.

How much could Juan Soto’s next contract be worth and where will he play?

Experts have calculated the price range for Soto’s long-term contract – This was reported by Front Office Sports. he could get at least $500 million, and two sources told CBS Sports this could be between $520 million and $540 million. Athletic proposed it could be closer to $600 million.

As for where Soto might play next season, it’s too early to say.

In May, Soto said he was open to negotiations during the season on a long-term contract if the Yankees wanted to approach his agent, Scott Boras, according to the report. Associated Press.

At the time, Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner told YES Network he would consider the option.

“I think we would like to see him here for the rest of his career. I don’t think there is any doubt about that. His agent Scott is not inclined to make deals mid-season. Me too. I think it can be distracting,” Steinbrenner said. “But like I said in spring training … this is a unique situation and a very unique player, so I wouldn’t be surprised if there’s a conversation or two during the season. I think it’s worth doing at some point.”

And while Yankees fans want Soto to stay in the Bronx, ESPN And whate Athletic proposed that their cross-town rival, the New York Mets, might express interest in signing the player and bringing him to Queens.

Wherever he signs, there will be a price to pay – Soto reportedly rejected A 15-year, $440 million contract that will keep him with the Nationals through 2022. Sources told The Athletic at that time.