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NEW York Yankees superstar Juan Soto revealed he will have an open mind when it comes to being a free agent – and he hinted he could join a hated MLB rival in the process.
The 26-year-old MLB star outfielder spoke about his future after the Yankees lost in the World Series to the Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday night.
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Yankees right fielder Soto will be a top free agent and is expected to earn more than $500, maybe $600 million, in his next contract.
The Yankees lost 7-6 in Game 5 and were eliminated in the World Series.
After the contest, Soto spoke to reporters and his looming free agency was the topic of discussion.
He was about the perception of him wanting to stay in New York.
“I don’t think so. I’m really happy with the city, with the team, how these guys do. At the end of the day, we’re gonna look at every situation, every offer that we’ll get and take the decision from there,” Soto said.
The four-time MLB All-Star was then asked about Game 5 being his last contest with the Yankees.
“You never know. At the end of the day, we’ll see where we’re at,” Soto cryptically said.
“Definitely a tough game to be my last one.
“But really happy with what we accomplished as a team and how far we got.”
Soto was also asked if he expected the New York Mets to try to sign him in free agency, and he gave a telling response.
“I don’t know what’s the teams that are going to come after me,” he said.
“But definitely, I’ll be open to this and every single team.
“I don’t have any doors closed or anything like that. I’m gonna be available for all 30 teams.”
Soto helped the Yankees reach the World Series for the first time since 2009.
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He hit 41 homers and recorded a league-leading 128 runs during the regular season.
The Mets are expected to be among the teams as a possible suitor for Soto.
They will have around $165 million coming off the books in the offseason.
As for the Yankees, they will have about $106 million coming off the books.
Soto and Aaron Judge formed a formidable duo, with the two combining for 99 home runs.
“Leaving any place that is a winning team? It’s always hard, and definitely this place was really special,” Soto said about the possibility of leaving the Yankees in free agency.
“It’s been a blast for me. I’ve been really happy.
“If I’m here or not, I’m really happy for the teammates that I have and the people that I got to know in here.
“This was a really special group.”
