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Juan Soto's stay with the New York Yankees is still under speculation. However, the 25-year-old Dominican Star won Bleacher Creatures' hearts in his first year in pinstripes.
The Tampa Bay Rays tied the series with today’s 2-0 victory over the Yankees. However, despite the offense struggle, Soto had two hits, including a double, tonight. Unfortunately, no one followed the lead, resulting in another loss for the Yankees.
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Nonetheless, Soto has been phenomenal throughout the season, impressing Clarke Schmidt. The 28-year-old Yankee ace openly voiced his opinion on Soto being a long-term member of the Bronx Bombers.
“Clarke Schmidt on Juan Soto: “He’s a special player. Just sign on the dotted line, however much he wants.”, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com tweeted.
Soto signed a $31 million contract with the Yankees for the 2024 season. He will become a free agent for the first time at the year's end. He has hired the superagent Scott Boras to handle his negotiations. However, it’ll be unlikely for the team to let go of such a promising star after a single season.
Moreover, given his performance, he may even get a long-term extension before that happens. But that will not be easy as the New York Mets are reportedly eyeing Soto next year with a huge offer if he becomes a free agent.
Juan Soto’s fiery season in pinstripes
Since wearing the pinstripes, Juan Soto has been on a hot streak for the New York Yankees this season.
In 20-game appearances, Soto has the league’s highest on-base percentage (OBP) with .468. Additionally, he has contributed 20 RBIs and five home runs so far with his .347 batting average and maintained a 1.068 OPS. He also got walked the most (18) in the league.
Soto has hit against all the teams he has faced so far. In his last five appearances, Soto has seven hits that produced five RBIs, including two home runs. However, he wasn’t very effective tonight.
Despite Nestor Cortes' brilliant pitching holding the Rays scoreless for seven innings, the Yankees' offense was disappointing. Aaron Judge went 4-0, along with Anthony Volpe and Oswaldo Cabrera. Except for Soto, only Anthony Rizzo and Alex Verdugo had a single hit each.
Luke Weaver and Clay Holmes, who succeeded Nestor after the seventh, held the Rays for the next two innings. However, Jose Caballero’s double and Ben Rortvedt’s single gave the Rays the first and only runs they needed to win in the extra inning.
The Yankees remained at the top of the AL East with a 14-7 record, but the Rays (12-10) equaled the Baltimore Orioles (12-7) with this victory. Sunday’s game will decide the series winner between two division rivals.
