Ground breaking: Yankees’ Juan Soto opens up about All-Star plans amid worrisome injury
New York Yankees outfielder Juan Soto, who missed Saturday’s game due to a bruised right hand, was a late addition to the lineup for Sunday’s 8-1 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays.
With the MLB All-Star Game approaching, one might expect Soto to skip the event to rest and prepare for the second half of the Yankees’ season. However, according to Bryan Hoch of MLB.com, Soto has no such plans:
“Juan Soto said he still plans to play in the All-Star Game despite his right hand injury.”
Although Soto was visibly uncomfortable during the Yankees’ 5-4 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays on Thursday, he provided a hopeful update post-game.
“I would say it’s better. It’s been better, what the trainer’s been doing. It’s still painful, but I think it’s been better. I have my days. The first day here in the series it was really painful, but it got better the next two days.”
Soto injured his hand while sliding home in last Friday’s 16-5 win. He was expected to undergo tests on Monday when the Yankees returned to New York, but it was determined that he was fit to play despite the pain.
The MLB All-Star Game is scheduled for next Tuesday in Arlington, TX. The Yankees will have a break from Monday through Thursday in their regular season schedule.
Juan Soto provides an update on his hand to @M_Marakovits and the rest of the media after the loss. #YANKSonYES pic.twitter.com/QPFdIW2LVK
— YES Network (@YESNetwork) July 12, 2024
Yankees and Juan Soto at a standstill
After committing substantial funds to Aaron Judge, the Yankees aim to secure Juan Soto with a massive long-term deal as soon as possible. However, Soto isn’t in a hurry.
Jon Heyman of the New York Post writes, “The organizational support to keep Soto may be even more solid (Brian Cashman and Co. gave up five pitchers for Soto). However, the stakes are higher as Soto — five years younger than Judge — will be seeking $500M plus, and likely even $600M.”
Soto’s reluctance to negotiate during the season likely stems from a desire to avoid distractions and keep his options open. As Heyman notes, “No star of that caliber signs months before free agency.”
If Soto re-signs with the Yankees, Judge would play a significant role in the decision. Before games, Soto and Judge often sit together and strategize against the opposing pitcher. Soto has expressed that the warm welcome he received from Judge helped him feel more comfortable with the team.
“He definitely tries to help me out,” Soto said of Judge. “He’s a guy you can talk to and have fun with throughout the game. It’s been fun so far. It’s been great for us.”
Soto also shared how Judge and New York’s reaction to his initial trade made him feel welcomed. “He started talking with me to let me know how happy they are,” Soto said of Judge and the team’s reaction. “That’s one thing that shows you who he is. We got him, Gerrit Cole, and all those guys texting me. That really shows me they care about me.”