Juan Soto’s agent: Yankees star had his future team decided before landing in New York

Juan Soto’s agent: Yankees star had his future team decided before landing in New York
New York Yankees’ Juan Soto celebrates after hitting a home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the third inning in Game 2 of the baseball World Series, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)AP 

Juan Soto’s tremendous season with the New York Yankees was days away from becoming a pipedream.

His agent, Scott Boras, told USA TODAY Sports recently that Soto was destined to be a lifelong member of the San Diego Padres. Those plans changed when former owner Peter Seidler died Nov. 14, 2023.

“If (Padres owner) Peter Seidler were still alive, none of this would be happening,“ Boras said. “Juan would have been with the Padres. He never would have been traded to the Yankees.”

As the Padres trimmed payroll, they shook baseball with the trade on Dec. 6, 2023, setting up one of the most anticipated free agency periods for a player in the game‘s history. Soto, despite Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner’s efforts, will become a free agent this offseason as a 26-year-old, likely receiving a contract of more than 10 years and around $600 million.

“Peter and I were knee-deep in Juan Soto (contract) discussions,” Boras said. “Well advanced. His illness really stopped the process because we knew the organization would be different. He wanted to push it through even though he was ill.”

Want to bet on MLB?

See the best NYC Sports Betting sites

Boras said that he was confident a deal would get done, a sentiment not often shared by the super agent, who routinely takes his clients to the open market to leverage the competition around his player. The Padres acquired Soto in 2022, as reports surfaced that the outfielder declined a 15-year, $440 million extension with the Washington Nationals.

The Yankees are expected to be joined by the New York Mets and Los Angeles Dodgers, among others, in pursuing Soto, who hit a career-high 41 home runs in the regular season, with a 178 OPS+, the second-highest of his career. He has gone 15 for 47 with four home runs and nine RBIs in the playoffs, which is good for a strong .319/.441/.638 mark.

Before he decides on his future, though, Soto hopes to extend the season by three more games. New York trails the Dodgers 3-1 in the World Series with Game 5 on Wednesday night.

If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

Related Posts

Juan Soto Rumors: MLB Insider Provides Massive Update on Dodgers’ Interest in Potential $700 Million Star

The Los Angeles Dodgers are one of the many teams checking in on superstar outfielder Juan Soto in free agency. Soto is expected to sign the largest contract…

SHOCKING NEWS: Dodgers Legend Fernando Valenzuela‘s Cause of Death Has Been Revealed

Sandy Hooper-USA TODAY via Imagn Images Legendary Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Fernando Valenzuela died of septic shock, according to his death certificate. Valenzuela passed away last month at…

BREAKING: Dodgers Star Could Dump L.A. To Join Red Sox On Projected $71M Deal

Boston has the means to swing a deal for the Dodgers star slugger Oct 30, 2024; New York, New York, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernandez…

Dodgers Making $100 Million Changes to Dodger Stadium Following 2024 Season

The Los Angeles Dodgers announced on social media that they will conduct renovations on Level One of Dodger Stadium this offseason. These renovations will include renovating the clubhouse, and…

Yankees approaching another misstep after Aaron Boone’s recent comments

World Series – Los Angeles Dodgers v New York Yankees – Game 5 / Alex Slitz/GettyImages Aaron Boone is returning as manager of the New York Yankees…

UPDATE: Yankees Have This Crucial Advantage in Juan Soto Sweepstakes

The Yankees have a rather unexpected and convenient advantage in their pursuit of Soto. Oct 29, 2024; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees outfielder Juan Soto…