Could these fans sway Juan Soto to remain a Yankee past 2024?
When outfielder Juan Soto makes his New York Yankees home debut April 5, Yankee Stadium will be rocking. But that's what the former San Diego Padres star expects for every home game.
"It's going to be really exciting. It's going to be like playing in the World Baseball Classic every night," Soto told The Athletic's Chris Kirschner in a Q&A published Wednesday.
Yankee fans are famous for their passion, but the city's large population Dominicans will add another level of excitement to the slugger's presence in the lineup. They could also be the key to keeping Soto — a Dominican Republic native — in the Bronx past 2024.
Soto, 25, is in the final year of his contract and is expected to test free agency next season. Kirschner asked Soto about his pending free agency and possibly becoming the highest-paid player in MLB.
"As a kid, you never think about money. You think about playing baseball," Soto replied. "All I ever wanted to do was play baseball, make the big leagues and make my family and country proud."
Potential Soto suitors next offseason will offer him absurd sums. If there is a negligible monetary difference in his most enticing offers, factors like team facilities and his comfort level in the city will likely be important for any organization hoping to sign him.
According to the United States Census Bureau, New York City has a Dominican population of 702,330. Those Yankees fans among them will have at least 81 chances over the course of the season to make Soto feel at home.
If the Yankees are able to leave their dismal 2023 behind and compete for a World Series, Soto will get to experience the best of Yankee Stadium. If this season is another disappointment, however, he'll get the worst.
That could make all the difference.
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