Yankees

Juan Soto, Aaron Boone

Juan Soto was traded to the New York Yankees earlier this off-season in a mega seven-player trade. The cost and risks were significant for the Yanks as Soto was coming in with just a one year guarantee as he is set to hit free agency next off-season.

However, the risk paid off for the New York Yankees as they qualified for the World Series for the first time since 2009. In hindsight, the Yankee front office is extremely proud of the move. That being said, Juan Soto’s agent, Scott Boras, recently revealed that the trade wouldn’t have happened had the San Diego Padres had credible ownership.

Peter Seidler’s Death Paved Way For Juan Soto Trade To Yankees

Juan SotoCredit: Randy Litzinger/Icon Sportswire

Scott Boras, the influential agent of Juan Soto, recently revealed that had San Diego Padres owner Peter Seidler been alive, Soto would likely still be donning a San Diego uniform. In an interview with USA TODAY, Boras expressed confidence that Seidler was committed to keeping Soto with the Padres for the long term. Before Seidler’s passing in late 2023, he was reportedly deep in negotiations with Boras for a contract extension that would keep the young star in San Diego “If [Seidler] were still alive, none of this would be happening. Juan would have been with the Padres. He never would have been traded to the Yankees,” Boras said, reflecting on Peter’s commitment to Soto.

Having said that, despite his success in New York, Juan Soto’s future remains uncertain. As one of the youngest and most dynamic players in MLB, he will soon test free agency, where his value is projected to eclipse $500 million. Juan Soto previously declined significant offers, including a 15-year, $440 million deal from the Nationals in 2022. Now, with teams like the Mets, Phillies, Blue Jays, and Giants rumored to pursue him, Soto’s next contract will likely be historic, packed with opt-out clauses and incentives, and potentially the most lucrative in MLB history. Meanwhile, for the New York Yankees, retaining Soto could prove crucial. His impact on the team, combined with Judge’s leadership, has revitalized New York’s championship ambition. On the other hand, with the World Series still ongoing, Soto remains focused, knowing that, ultimately, his decision will hinge on where he can find the best chance to win a championship.

Boras Slammed For Using Peter Seidler For Playing Mind Games

Juan Soto Scott BorasJuan Soto Scott Boras Source: Tiempo Extra
Padres insiders have voiced frustration with Scott Boras, accusing the super-agent of using Peter Seidler’s legacy as leverage to raise Juan Soto’s value ahead of free agency. The insiders believe Boras is engaging in psychological tactics to inflate Soto’s worth, using claims that Seidler, the late Padres owner, had been deeply involved in contract discussions.

According to insider Ben Higgins, Boras’s statements don’t contribute new information but rather serve to drum up Soto’s appeal across the league. “It’s gross to me that he invokes the name of Peter Seidler. It’s unnecessary,” Woods said. He argued that Juan Soto value is already evident, and this narrative may be a tactic to pressure teams like the Yankees, Mets, and Phillies to engage in a bidding war.