Juan Soto, the newest player to join New York, stated he is prepared to bring his winning mentality to the Bronx, but he would not be drawn into discussions about his potential trade to the Yankees.
Last Monday, the Yankees finalized their historic deal for Soto with the Padres, sending Trent Grisham to New York along with Michael King, Drew Thorpe, Kyle Higashioka, Randy Vasquez, and Jhony Brito en route to San Diego.
With Soto joining Aaron Judge in the Bronx Bombers lineup, the move has already generated a lot of enthusiasm at Yankee Stadium.
Though Soto just has one year left on his contract, many are already doubting his long-term prospects in the Bronx given that he is a three-time All Star and four-time Silver Slugger winner.
The 25-year-old said he isn’t worried about his future as a Yankee after the forthcoming season during a conference chat with the media on Tuesday, the day he was revealed as a Yankee.
Wearing the recognizable Yankees cap for the first time, he told reporters, “For me, my priority is to get to know the team and the guys.”
“My objective is to travel to Tampa or New York at any time to meet those guys, establish a strong bond, stick together, get to know them, and achieve their desired outcome.”
“They know who to talk to for any contract matters.” “I just want to play baseball and focus,” he continued, bowing to his representative Scott Boras.
He disclosed that a number of his new teammates, notably Aaron Judge of the Yankees, have already gotten in touch.
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‘[…] Many of them messaged each other. Gerrit Cole, Anthony Rizzo, and Gleyber Torres. It means a lot to me because several of them said how happy they are to have me join the team and how much they are looking forward to working with me during spring training.He continued in jest, “Right now, I can’t wait to just go there and see those guys and see how big Aaron Judge and Stanton are.”
He maintained that his attitude hasn’t altered despite the pressure of joining the 27-time World Series champions and the enormous expectations that come with it.
“No matter where I go, I have the same mindset,” the Dominican said. I’m switching from one squad that could win a title to another. I’ve been thinking this way since I joined the league in 2018. All that matters to me is winning.
And he’s prepared to do that at Yankee Stadium, where he’s already had success with four home runs in seven contests.
“I won’t lie, it’s a great ballpark with a great batter’s box,” he remarked. “It feels fantastic to be visible.”
It’s an amazing sensation to be performing in that stadium in New York, he continued. “The audience and the fans are simply amazing.” They were booing me and everything even when they weren’t supporting me.
Throughout his MLB career, Soto has amassed 786 hits, 160 home runs, 483 RBIs, and a.421 on-base percentage.
Additionally, his left-handed hitting ability combined with Yankee Stadium’s short right field porch seem to be a surefire prescription for home runs.