He needed no introduction, but just for good measure, the Yankees’ newest superstar took the stage Monday wearing a T-shirt that read, “The Generational Juan Soto.”
It is why the Yankees traded for him. It is why they are only guaranteed one year of his services before he hits free agency and a huge payday.
But in the meantime, they will try to chase a championship with the generational talent in pinstripes.
Juan Soto at Yankees press conference at spring training on Feb. 19, 2024.Charles Wenzelberg/NY Post
“It’s just incredible,” Soto said of his first hours at Yankees spring training after officially reporting on Monday morning. “Amazing organization. [So] far it’s been great. It’s been a great feeling. Great start for me. I think we’re in a good spot right now.”
Soto reiterated multiple times that he would let his agent, Scott Boras, handle all the contract talks that will undoubtedly follow him throughout the season, though it is widely expected that the 25-year-old outfielder will reach free agency instead of signing an extension with the Yankees ahead of time.
“For me, I’m just focusing on ’24,” Soto said. “I’m here to play baseball. I’m focusing on playing this year and trying to win as much as we can and bring a championship to New York.”
But the best left-handed hitter in the game will have a trial run of sorts this year to help determine whether he would be interested in remaining a Yankee long term.
“We gotta get to know the Yankees organization and the city and how it is playing in New York, to see and make a decision there,” he said.
For now, Aaron Boone said he was just trying to make Soto feel comfortable and start the relationship-building process with the player who will be integral to the Yankees’ season.
The two met in Boone’s office early in the day, with the manager wanting to get across how important Soto is to the clubhouse.
Juan Soto wears a “The Generational Juan Soto” T-shirt at Yankees spring training on Monday.Charles Wenzelberg/NY Post
While the Yankees will get a better look at Soto as the spring goes on, Boone couldn’t help taking a peek on Monday during an indoor batting practice session.
“I was trying not to stop too much — he hit a little bit in the cage earlier and there’s a lot going on, so I’m checking in on a lot of things,” Boone said. “Kind of wanted to stay and watch a little longer.”
Boone wasn’t the only one already dreaming about the Yankees’ potential with Soto and Aaron Judge hitting back-to-back in their lineup.
Early indications are that Soto will bat second and Judge third, with Soto quipping, “it’s gonna be two walks or two gappers.”
Juan Soto arrives at Yankees spring training on Monday.Charles Wenzelberg/NY Post
“Seeing [Soto] and Judge tear apart the league is gonna be awesome,” Giancarlo Stanton said.
“I think [Soto] is the best hitter in baseball,” added Marcus Stroman. “I came up in the AL East, I faced Papi [David Ortiz], A-Rod [Alex Rodriguez], I faced all those guys. I think Juan Soto’s judgment of the strike zone is unheard of. … I think he’ll go down as one of the best to play this game.”
Of course, the Yankees made the trade for Soto knowing that it could be just a one-year run together.
Given the package of players they gave up to land him (and Trent Grisham), that will only increase the pressure on Soto and the Yankees to perform at the highest level, though, in terms of talent, Soto said “we think we have everything we need.”
Juan Soto speaks to the media on Monday at Steinbrenner Field, Tampa, FL.Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
As for playing his home games in The Bronx?
“It’s gonna be electric,” he said. “It’s gonna be fun. There’s a lot of Latin community over there, so it’s going to be really exciting. It’s going to feel like home.”
Whether it’s a permanent one or not, the Yankees’ Soto era is just beginning.
“At the end of the day, we gotta put our egos away and play as a team and try to do the little things when it matters,” Soto said. “That’s what takes you to the next level.”
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