Yankees' Juan Soto addresses 'MVP' chants amid contract uncertainty
New York Yankees right fielder Juan Soto.
New York Yankees outfielder Juan Soto heard "MVP" chants after he hit his second home run of the night during Wednesday's 7-3 win over the Seattle Mariners.
The 25-year-old from the Dominican Republic, who remains set to hit free agency this fall, discussed his ongoing love affair with Yankees fans following the club's latest victory.
"I just have to turn around [to face the crowd,] and they go crazy," Soto explained, according to Bob Klapisch of NJ Advance Media. "There’s a lot of Dominicans, they all want to say hi. I try to say hi to everybody, but you know, I have to stay focused on the game, too. But it’s really cool to see all that stuff and see how crazy they go."
Across his first 51 games with the Yankees, Soto blasted 13 home runs with 40 RBI and a .979 OPS. Heading into Thursday's MLB action, DraftKings Sportsbook listed Soto as the betting favorite at +225 odds to earn American League MVP honors.
While Soto helped first-place New York improve to 34-17 on Wednesday, those who can't live in the moment continue to speculate on his unknown future. Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner and general manager Brian Cashman teased that the club could soon enter serious in-season contract talks with agent Scott Boras. However, Steinbrenner more recently reminded fans that the club's payroll is "not sustainable" due to luxury tax penalties.
Most insiders expect Boras will take Soto into free agency to spark a bidding war that will likely include big-spending New York Mets owner Steve Cohen.
"I’m enjoying every part of it, I’m having fun with it," Soto added about his experiences since joining the Yankees from the San Diego Padres via a December trade. "You never know how long it’s going to be like that, so I try to enjoy every second and keep going."
Steinbrenner seemingly understands his paying customers and most loyal fans could revolt if he is outbid by the Mets or a different club for Soto's services. With every home run and each "MVP" chant, the value of Soto's next contract likely increases.
"How far can the Yankees go? Try a better question: what’s the journey worth to Steinbrenner?" Klapisch asked.
Whatever the answer, that journey probably will conclude with Soto resetting the market for MLB stars.
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