Oct 14, 2024; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees outfielder Juan Soto (22) runs the bases after hitting a solo home run during the third inning against the Cleveland Guardians in game one of the ALCS for the 2024 MLB Playoffs at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
On the verge of their first World Series appearance in 15 years, the New York Yankees find questions about Juan Soto’s future lingering above them — whether they like it or not.
It was one of the first questions that came manager Aaron Boone’s way on Thursday at Dodger Stadium, a little over 24 hours from Game 1 of the 2024 Fall Cassic between his Yankees and the powerhouse Los Angeles Dodgers.
“That’s for another day,” Boone said with a smirk. “Juan has been a central figure for us all year. He hit an amazing home run that helped us clinch a ticket to the World Series… He’s proven to be an amazing teammate, a great person to get to know, and obviously a great player. I don’t think he or any of us are thinking about that right now. We’re getting ready for Game 1 of the World Series.”
Soto’s acquisition from the San Diego Padres last winter is seen as one of the major difference-makers for a Yankees team that went from 82 wins last season to a 41st American League pennant this year. The 25-year-old (he turns 26 on Friday, conveniently enough) put up one of the finest seasons of his already-lengthy career in Pinstripes, mashing a career-high 41 home runs.
He had his indelible Yankees moment in the 10th inning of Game 5 of the ALCS when his three-run home run clinched New York’s ticket to the World Series, only confirming how special of a player he is and how coveted he will be should he test the open market this winter.
“You never know what it’s going to be like when you bring players in… they’re getting to know you, you’re getting to know them, you’re trying to get them entrenched in the fabric of your…
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