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Will Juan Soto sign with the Yankees? Hal Steinbrenner talks about the New York Mets factor

Posted on by L. Dreeye
Will Juan Soto sign with the Yankees? Hal Steinbrenner talks about the New York Mets factor

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NEW YORK — Any scenario in which Juan Soto isn’t in pinstripes on Opening Day simply won’t work in the Yankees universe.

Hal Steinbrenner seemed to acknowledge as much Wednesday afternoon.

“We listen to our fans … he definitely played a big role in why we got to the World Series,” the Yankees owner said. “I have ears. I know what is expected of me.”

For Steinbrenner, prioritizing securing Soto in free agency is not unlike pursuing Aaron Judge two years ago, only this time it could cost twice as much as the $360 million paid to Judge.

Earlier this week, Steinbrenner led a Yankee contingent that included general manager Brian Cashman, manager Aaron Boone, club president Randy Levine and special adviser Omar Minaya for a private meeting with Soto, whose dynamic offensive presence helped the Yankees win their first pennant of the season. 15 years old.

Speaking at the MLB owners’ meeting in Midtown, Steinbrenner didn’t go into detail about how much the Yankees might spend on Soto, but “we have the ability to sign any player we want.”

Hal Steinbrenner on the Yankees’ meeting with Juan Soto

At the meeting in Southern California, Steinbrenner said there was a “very honest dialogue” between Soto and agent Scott Boras that lasted “a couple of hours.”

Steinbrenner called the summit “good” but declined to go into detail.

“We talked about our player development system, which I don’t think he was very familiar with,” Steinbrenner said. “I’m sure he asks all the clubs about it.

“He just wants to know… about the pipeline and everything.”

Admittedly, Steinbrenner did not know Soto personally much during the season, due in part to Soto’s pre-game preparation.

“With players like that, I just don’t like to interrupt the process,” said Steinbrenner, who has spoken with Soto about expanding their relationship.

“If he comes back next year, I’ve made it clear that I’d like to have the same relationship I had with Gerrit (Cole) and Judge. This message has been conveyed.”

Hal Steinbrenner on the New York Mets’ pursuit of Juan Soto

Asked how confident he was in signing Soto, Steinbrenner replied: “I have no idea. We’ll keep you posted. I’ll leave it at that.”

The mix includes the Mets, Red Sox, Blue Jays, Dodgers and Phillies, and Mets owner Steve Cohen has the financial might to write the biggest check.

“I could say the same thing about several other owners,” Steinbrenner said. “Of course it’s a concern.”

Soto’s love for New York was obvious, but it could stretch from the Bronx to Queens.

“I have a good relationship with Steve,” Steinbrenner said, adding that they did not specifically discuss Soto’s free agency.

Their 10-minute conversation at dinner Tuesday night was about “how much it hurts to lose the World Series” like the Mets did in 2015, Steinbrenner said. “That’s it.”

Of course, if the Mets had signed Soto, the reaction from the Bronx would have been much more devastating.

“If this doesn’t work,” Steinbrenner said, “he’s going to be in a little pain wherever he goes.”

Hal Steinbrenner on the Yankees’ salary and what they’ll spend

On the payroll front, “we’re in a better starting position than we were a year ago,” Steinbrenner said, as contracts like those of Gleyber Torres and Anthony Rizzo come off the books.

Steinbrenner doesn’t mean strict salary caps, “that’s what I told Cash,” he said. “I want every opportunity to come my way and we’ll just keep talking.”

Steinbrenner reiterated that “payroll payments similar to what we had this year” and current luxury taxes “are not sustainable…for the vast majority of owners, and perhaps all owners.”

But in the Bronx, like the vast majority of MLB owners, there is no “For Sale” sign.

“It doesn’t mean that in any given year I won’t be able to do what I want to do,” Steinbrenner said of the club’s financial impact. “We have the ability to sign any player we want.”

Steinbrenner said he “can’t say for sure” whether Soto’s priority is getting the highest-priced contract. “I just don’t know.

“All I can tell you is that I truly believe he enjoyed his time here. He’s close with Aaron Judge, he’s close with Aaron Boone. Let’s see.

“But at the end of the day, of course, he needs to do what’s best for him and his family.”