NEW YORK — Any scenario where Juan Soto isn’t in pinstripes on Opening Day just won’t fly in Yankees Universe.
Hal Steinbrenner seemed to acknowledge that point on Wednesday afternoon.
“We listen to our fans… he’s definitely a significant part of why we got to the World Series,’’ the Yankees’ owner said. “I’ve got ears. I know what’s expected of me.’’
For Steinbrenner, the priority of securing Soto in free agency is not unlike the Aaron Judge pursuit two years ago, only this time it might cost double the $360 million paid to Judge.
Earlier this week, Steinbrenner led a Yankee contingent – including GM Brian Cashman, manager Aaron Boone, club president Randy Levine and special adviser Omar Minaya – to an in-person meeting with Soto, whose dynamic offensive presence boosted the Yanks toward their first pennant in 15 years.
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Speaking at the MLB owners’ meetings in Midtown, Steinbrenner wouldn’t delve into how much the Yankees might spend on Soto, but “we’ve got the ability to sign any player we want to sign.’’
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Hal Steinbrenner on Yankees’ meeting with Juan Soto
At their Southern California meeting, Steinbrenner said there was “a very honest, back and forth dialogue’’ with Soto and agent Scott Boras that lasted “a couple of hours.’’
Steinbrenner termed the summit as “good,’’ but declined to go into much specific detail.
“We talked about our player development system, which I think he wasn’t that familiar with,’’ said Steinbrenner. “He’s asking this of all the clubs, I’m sure.
“He just wants to know… about the pipeline and all that.’’
Admittedly, Steinbrenner didn’t get to know Soto much personally during the season, in part due to Soto’s pregame preparation.
“With players like that, I just don’t like interrupting that process,’’ said Steinbrenner, who spoke with Soto about broadening their relationship.
“Should he be back next year, I made it clear that the kind of relationship I would like is the kind of relationship that I have with Gerrit (Cole) and Judge. That message was conveyed.’’
Hal Steinbrenner on New York Mets’ pursuit of Juan Soto
Asked what his confidence level was of signing Soto, Steinbrenner said, “No idea. We’ll be in the mix. I’ll leave it at that.’’
The Mets, Red Sox, Blue Jays, Dodgers and Phillies are in that mix, and Mets owner Steve Cohen has the financial might to write the biggest check.
“I could say that about a couple of other owners, too,’’ said Steinbrenner. “Of course, it’s a concern.’’
Soto’s fondness for New York was apparent, but that could extend from the Bronx to Queens.
“My relationship with Steve is good,’’ said Steinbrenner, adding that they hadn’t specifically discussed Soto’s free agency.
Per Steinbrenner, their 10-minute conversation at Tuesday night’s dinner was about “how much it stings to lose a World Series,’’ as the Mets did in 2015. “That’s about it.’’
Of course, if the Mets were to sign Soto, the Bronx backlash would be that much more devastating.
“If it doesn’t work out,’’ said Steinbrenner, “it’s going to hurt a little bit no matter where he goes.’’
Hal Steinbrenner on Yankees’ payroll and what they’ll spend
On the payroll side, “we’re in a better starting position than we were a year ago,’’ said Steinbrenner, with contracts such as Gleyber Torres’ and Anthony Rizzo’s coming off the books.
Steinbrenner does not have a strict payroll limit in mind, “which is exactly what I told Cash,’’ he said. “I want every possibility out there coming my way and we’ll just keep talking.’’
Once again, Steinbrenner claimed that “payrolls similar to this year’’ and current luxury taxes “are not sustainable… for the vast majority of the owners, and maybe all the owners.’’
But there’s no “For Sale’’ sign in the Bronx, or for the vast majority of MLB ownership either.
“Doesn’t mean in any given year, I can’t do what I want to do,’’ Steinbrenner said of the club’s financial clout. “We’ve got the ability to sign any player we want to sign.’’
Steinbrenner said he “can’t really answer’’ whether Soto’s priority is to land with the highest bidder. “I just don’t know.
“All I can tell you is that I really believe he enjoyed his time here. He’s close with Aaron Judge, he’s close with Aaron Boone. We’ll see.
“But in the end, he needs to do what’s best for him and his family, of course.’’