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?

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