Juan Soto open to staying with Yankees as free agency looms

Likely to land a long-term deal in the $500 million range this offseason as a free agent, All-Star slugger Juan Soto would consider re-signing with the New York Yankees but will have plenty of suitors.

"If I knew the future," Soto said on Tuesday at All-Star media day, "I would play the lottery. Nobody knows the future. At the end of the day, I'm enjoying this moment, representing the New York Yankees. ... I'm very happy to be part of (the game), but nobody knows what will happen next year."

Preparing for his fourth straight All-Star Game on Tuesday -- his first as a starter -- at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, Soto said he his eager to call a major league city home for several years.

"It's a little uncomfortable wearing different jerseys and changing teams," Soto acknowledged in Spanish. "I'm looking forward to wearing one for a long time."

Soto, 25, was an All-Star in 2022 with the Washington Nationals, then was dealt before the trade deadline. Last summer, he was at the Midsummer Classic with the San Diego Padres but was sent to the Yankees last winter.

In his first season with the Yankees on a one-year, $31 million deal, the popular Soto has hit .295 with 23 homers and 66 RBIs in 94 games, creating a formidable duo with Aaron Judge, the majors' home run leader with 34.

"Soto's been amazing," Judge said. "He's the best hitter I've ever seen."

So will Soto and Judge be teammates beyond 2024?

"Who wouldn't want to be with a team that wins?" Soto said. "For me, while you're on a winning team, it's always good to be there and be a part of it."

Along with the Yankees, the rival Boston Red Sox are among the teams expected to pursue Soto, along with the Chicago Cubs, Philadelphia Phillies, New York Mets and San Francisco. Even the Nationals could be part of the mix.

"That decision's all based on him and his family and what they want to do and what feels right," Judge said. "As a teammate, it's just about being supportive for him and showing him what New York can offer. ... I wish him nothing but the best. He's going to make the right decision for what's best for him."

Once the All-Star break ends, Soto and Yankees will look to rebound after losing 18 of their last 26 games and falling behind the Baltimore Orioles in the AL East. As of June 19, New York had the majors' best record.

"Nobody said it would be easy," Soto said. "At the beginning it looked like it was easy, but of course it's not that easy."

--Field Level Media