Yankees Announcer Addresses Uncertain Future of Juan Soto
“You have to take Hal at his word,” Kay explained. “He’s not bluffing when he says $300 million is an unsustainable payroll.”
Soto, set to reach free agency after the current season, has expressed his openness to negotiating with any team. His agent, Scott Boras, appeared to dismiss Steinbrenner’s concerns about the payroll during a conversation with Bob Nightengale of USA Today.
“People don’t seem to realize, it’s not just Hal Steinbrenner’s money,” Kay noted. “I’m not being a fanboy in explaining that there are other partners involved in the Yankees’ ownership. Their last names aren’t Steinbrenners. Hal has to answer to those people, and those people are entitled to make a profit. And those other voices are asking, ‘Do we really have to pay this much money to win a championship?'”
Steinbrenner’s remarks sparked predictions among notable baseball figures that the Yankees might not sign Soto to a record-setting deal, especially after committing $360 million over nine years to Aaron Judge less than two years ago.
Kay dispelled any notion that Judge would have an issue with Soto potentially becoming the team’s highest-paid player.
“Judge is a different type of leader,” Kay said. “It seems like he’s devoid of ego. I know that’s not realistic because no one is devoid of ego. But for a star of his magnitude, he’s just so chill. He never makes it about him. Judge got his bag of money. If someone now gets a bigger bag, Judge will be fine with it, because he wants to win.”
Kay suggested that Steinbrenner could face stiff competition from New York Mets owner Steve Cohen in the bidding war for Soto. Cohen might forgo signing All-Star first baseman Pete Alonso to an extension in favor of pursuing Soto in free agency.
“I think he’s going to make a really great offer to Soto,” Kay said about Steinbrenner. “He legitimately wants to keep him. But if Soto is of the mindset that he’s going where the last dollar leads him, then it’s going to get really interesting.”
Kay added that he doesn’t “think anyone in any sport gets a blank check.” However, Cohen may challenge this notion if Soto reaches the open market this fall.
As the season progresses, the future of Juan Soto remains a hot topic, with the Yankees’ financial strategy and competitive landscape under close scrutiny. Whether Steinbrenner can navigate these complexities and retain Soto will be a defining aspect of the Yankees’ offseason moves.