Juan Soto sends message to Yankees fans before World Series, free agency

The MLB community continues to believe that New York Yankees outfielder Juan Soto could put pen to paper on a historic contract to make a move to the New York Mets as soon as next month.

Ahead of Friday's opening game of the World Series involving the Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers, Randy Miller of NJ Advance Media for NJ.com asked Soto if he would choose "happiness or money" in free agency.

"We will see at the end of the day," said Soto. " Definitely every player wants to be happy where they are. Whenever you win, you’re really going to be happy. So wherever you are, if you have a chance to win a baseball game or championship, I think you’re going to be happy and you’re going to be excited to play. I think that’s the biggest thing. That’s the biggest mindset right now."

Miller noted on Thursday that Soto "has loved being a Yankee" since the San Diego Padres traded him to the Bronx Bombers last December. While the four-time All-Star selection, who just turned 26 on Friday, is reportedly "really a fan of" Yankees supporters, business is business.

There's no indication Soto will give the Yankees a discount to commit his future to the storied franchise before he hits the open market. It's widely believed that Mets owner Steve Cohen can outbid every other would-be buyer for Soto's services, even if Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner changes his mind about the club's payroll not being "sustainable" in the long term .

"It’s been one of the most fun years I ever played," Soto acknowledged about what may go down as his only season in pinstripes. "Definitely. This group has been unbelievable. I think it’s just amazing how we get along together, how we have fun. I think it’s definitely one of the most fun years I’ve ever had."

Soto and big-name agent Scott Boras have done well since last offseason to give all bid ders hope that they have a realistic chance of winning the slugger's signature before Christmas. Some believe Soto could ultimately sign a deal worth more than $600M in guaranteed money.

On Thursday, Soto promised Yankees fans nothing but added that he is "really thankful for them and really happy that they’ve had my back the whole year."

It remains to be seen whether that comment proves to be an early farewell to those fans and to the Yankees.