Brian Cashman’s statements on Juan Soto bode well for huge Yankees deal

Juan Soto has made an impact for the New York Yankees in 2024.

There is no debate about it. It’s also kind of strange to think about. The Yankees shouldn’t need Soto to thrive with the rest of their (theoretical) talent on the roster, but that’s what happens when money isn’t spent wisely.

In any case, it is clear that Soto is critical to the team’s current and future success, which has sparked speculation regarding his long-term future in New York.

The anticipation is that he will enter free agency and test the market, but the Yankees are thought to be serious about keeping him. At least, that’s what writers are saying, which fans should always take with a grain of salt given how quickly things can change in the MLB world.

Fans will buy into statements from general manager Brian Cashman, who normally keeps his hand close to his chest (save for his wild diatribe during the GM Meetings this winter).

His most recent appraisal of Soto speaks well for the two sides’ eventual agreement, as Cashman recognizes that the MVP-caliber slugger has altered a lot for a Yankees squad that was lost just a few months ago.

"We'd love to have him for a long time, but we're certainly going to enjoy him for the short-term."

Brian Cashman on the start to Juan Soto's #Yankees career:#RepBX | @Yankees pic.twitter.com/iSSgvc06zh

— MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM (@MLBNetworkRadio) April 21, 2024

Brian Cashman’s comments on Juan Soto bode well for massive Yankees contract

Do you think the Yankees have cracked the formula? Talented athletes with real, vibrant personalities? Instead of merely robots with some (or outdated) baseball skills?

Cashman mentioned “closed off” and “guarded” people who aren’t doing well in New York, and praised Soto for being “open” and “engaging” with the fans and with his body language. Consider how many game-changing moments have occurred so far. Soto’s emotions and antics have boosted the energy level.

This is not a criticism of any individual player on the Yankees roster, but rather a symptom of a broader problem. Over the previous decade or so, the front office has done little to improve the human aspect of the game. The elite players they’ve recruited and held for the long haul — Gerrit Cole, Aaron Judge, and Giancarlo Stanton — don’t exactly wear their emotions on their sleeves and exude a contagious, momentous energy.

Cashman’s other long-term signings, including as Masahiro Tanaka, Jacoby Ellsbury, Brian McCann, Aaron Hicks, DJ LeMahieu, and others, shared similar personalities. If those guys are going to be the “stars,” you’ll need a more enthusiastic supporting cast.

Or, you know, simply pay $500 million for the star with those personality attributes. That’s what Cashman seemed to be hinting at in his most recent MLB Network Radio interview.