Juan Soto appears to be open for business.
The former Padre spoke to media in his return to San Diego on Friday — his first game back since being traded to the Yankees in December — and when asked about a potential reunion with his old ballclub come this off-season, he made clear all suitors will be listened to.
“We’re going to be open to listen to anybody and everybody,” Soto said. “We ain’t closing the door on anybody.”
New York acquired the soon-to-be free agent this past off-season with the hopes of adding an on-base machine alongside Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton. So far, despite the high cost the Yankees paid (four pitchers and a catcher), Soto has been a worthwhile investment.
The 25-year-old leads the league in plate appearances and was slashing .313/.409/.569 for 62 hits and 13 home runs entering play Friday night. His OPS of .979 is currently fifth in the majors as he’s helped the Yankees get out to a 35-17 record and first place in the AL East.
Yet despite the individual and team success, Soto isn’t quite ready to commit long-term. Not verbally at least, before hearing what other teams have to offer.
“Whoever wants to talk about deals and stuff, I’m open to deal with anybody,” Soto continued.
Baseball fans in New York shouldn’t start saying goodbye just yet as the four-time silver slugger affirmed his focus right now is on the Yankees and winning a World Series.
“That’s going to be in the future,” Soto said on his free agency this off-season. “Right now I’m focusing on 2024, and I’m part of the Yankees … and my goals are really clear, and that’s to win a championship here.”
