NEW YORK — When the Yankees finally were hugged out and the tears dried up more than hour after they lost the World Series to the Dodgers in an unfathomable way, Juan Soto took a turn doing a post-game interview in the middle of the clubhouse.
There were two questions about the Yankees’ blooper-filled 7-6 loss in Game 5, then 10 minute’s worth on free agency.
It’s here. The Yankees have exclusive negotiating rights for five days, but there’s absolutely no chance they’ll work out a contract by Monday.
The biggest takeaway?
Soto was given multiple chances to say he’s like to stay with the Yankees, but passed every time.
Agent Scott Boras has this young man schooled.
Soto also made it clear that the Yankees will not get a hometown discount. He says all 30 teams are in play and that his biggest criteria will be going to a winning team.
“I feel like every team has the same opportunities when I’m going to the free agency,’ Soto said. “I don’t want to say anybody has any advantage, because at the end of the day we’re going to look what they have.”
Soto dropped in a funny quote, too, when he was asked if Yankees’ fans love for him could impact his decision:
“It probably will impact the decision of the ownership! We’ll see how it goes. I’m definitely really excited and really thankful for those fans. They’ve been incredible all year long.”
What Soto should have said if he wants to go a winning team that offers the most money.
The early speculation is that Soto will get at least $600 million.
“That’s a lot of money that people are talking about here,” he said.
Will the Yankees go that high? Here’s the latest:
An industry source told NJ Advance Media baseball columnist Bob Klapisch on Wednesday that the Yankees will be “competitive.”
That might not be nearly enough if the Mets or someone else is all in.
The questions about Soto’s future began when he was asked if he thinks he’s played his last game as a Yankee.
“You never know,” he answered. “At the end of the day, we will see where we are. It’s definitely a tough game to be my last one, but I’m really happy with what we accomplished as a team and how far we got. Definitely, we wanted to be the last team standing, but things happen.”
Soto was then asked if he’s hoping to return to the Yankees if the money’s right. Even then, he would not say yes.
“We’ve got to sit down and look at it whenever we have a chance with my agent,” he said.
Here are other highlights:
Soto on free agency:
“It’s going to be exciting. It’s going to be a good experience. I think every player in the big leagues wants to experience what it’s going to be in free agency.”
Soto on if the perception that wants to sign with Yankees or Mets:
“I don’t think so. I’m really happy with the city, with the team, how these guys do. But at the end of the day we will see. We’re going to look at every situation and every offer I get and make a decision.
Soto on if he thinks the Mets will go after him:
“I don’t know the teams that want to come after me, but definitely I’ll be open to every single team. I don’t have any door Closed, So I’m going to be available for all 30 teams.
Soto on if it would be tough to leave the Yankees:
“Leaving any place that is a winning team is always hard. Definitely this place was really special. It’s been a blast for me. I’ve been really happy. Definitely if I’m here or not. I’d be really happy for the team. The people that I got to know in here, this was a really special group. But at the end of the day, we will see what’s gonna happen.
Soto on if it would be hard losing Judge as a teammate:
“I’m really, really happy with what we did as a duo this year, as teammates. “Just incredible. I really learned a lot of things from him. That was really cool to see. I’m going take that to my next step.”
Soto on potentially leaving the Yankees after hitting 41 homers batting behind Judge
“I would say this is gonna stay in my heart for the rest of my life, this group of guys. This year is really special for me. But definitely I’m really proud of myself what I accomplished. Thanks to Judge.”
Soto on whether he’d like return to the Yankees try to win the World Series next year losing this season:
“We’re gonna consider the Yankees as one of the teams that I’m gonna try to be with and we’re go from there.”
Soto on if he’ll give the Yankees an opportunity to match high offers:
“The Yankees, I have open arms to let them come in and talk to me. I don’t have any doors closed. I’m going to keep all my doors open and whoever wants to come in and talks, we’re gonna have a good conversation.”
Soto on Yankees’ teammates’ message to him on free agency:
“They just wish me the best luck. Make sure I do the best for me and my family. These guys were special. I’m really happy to play with them.”
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Randy Miller may be reached at [email protected].
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