The “Juan Soto sweepstakes” this winter are shaping up to be more than just a battle for the biggest financial offer. While much of the focus has been on how much money Soto will ultimately receive, the decision goes beyond just salary. Soto is expected to sign a deal that will span over a decade, making the relationship he forms with his future team’s owner and front office a critical factor. It’s not just about the money—Soto needs to feel comfortable with the ownership group he will be working with for the long term.
Soto’s brief time with the New York Yankees provides insight into how important this relationship is to him. Despite spending a year with the team, Soto never truly connected with the Yankees’ front office or ownership. Jon Heyman of the New York Post recently reported on a meeting between Soto and Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner, where Steinbrenner made it clear that he wanted to improve their relationship. While Soto appreciated the clubhouse dynamic led by Aaron Judge, the connection with ownership was lacking.
Heyman noted that after their meeting, Soto reportedly felt more positive about Steinbrenner and the Yankees as a whole. The team emphasized its advantages in terms of revenue, tradition, and brand—the kind of factors that could appeal to a player looking for long-term security and a legacy. Soto is not just looking for a team to pay him handsomely, but also one where he can build a lasting relationship with ownership that will carry through the length of a potential 10-to-15-year deal.
Soto’s desire for a strong rapport with ownership makes sense, especially as he considers the long-term implications of his decision. In a situation where two offers may be financially similar, the personal connection with the team’s leadership could ultimately tip the scales in favor of one franchise over another. For Soto, aligning himself with an owner who he trusts and respects is just as important as the contract’s dollar amount.
However, at the end of the day, money still plays a decisive role in any free-agent decision. If the Yankees or any other team fail to offer the kind of financial commitment Soto is seeking, it won’t matter how well he gets along with the owner. Soto’s decision will ultimately come down to which team is willing to pay the most while also offering him the long-term stability and partnership he values.
