If you listen too closely to early rhetoric, you might get the idea the Yankees dont feel great about their chance to retain superstar slugger Juan Soto. But that cant really be the case. Owner Hal Steinbrenners remark that caused some folks to think he isnt nece sarily confident they will keep Soto. But Steinbrenners more relevant me sages probably were the ones about how much they like Soto, how much they want to keep Soto, and, perhaps most importantly, how much money they have coming off the books. Juan Soto is going to command a tidy sum and the Yankees are in decent position to afford it. Robert Sabo for NY Post With Gleyber Torres, Alex Verdugo and Clay Holmes free agents and a club option on Anthony Rizzo, they will have huge flexibility. They are committed to $225M, down from $255M to start last winter, providing plenty of room. Though free agency is unpredictable and there could be many big-market teams in play for a generational hitter at 25 (I still prefer that to ), the Yankees seem to believe their biggest competition may come from the Mets. (Thats what weve been Aaron Schunk Jersey speculating, but they presumably have their own gue ses.) More From Jon Heyman The Yankees may also believe the field will be somewhat limited due to the expected record price tag for position-only players theyre likely ready to repeat Aaron Judges $40M annual salary on a longer deal, though word is the ask will be higher due to age and prime years remaining. The Yankees do hold the in-city advantages of bigger history and better roster not to mention Sotos ultra-positive 2024 Bronx experience. (But once again, ; Soto previously turned down seven offers.) Soto could be a long-term fixture in the Yankees outfield. Robert Sabo for NY Post Anyway, its probably best not to read too much into public pronouncements. Saying $300M-plus isnt sustainable doesnt mean anyone need worry about the Yankees. Unlike the current Mets, Steinbrenners team makes money the books arent open but word is they make a small profit. Thats despite having MLBs third-highest payroll and paying big tax (about $50M), revenue sharing and many other expenses. If Steinbrenner meant he doesnt think its worthwhile paying such huge salaries when it hasnt translated to World Series titles lately, he certainly has a case for that claim though in mega-signings the Yankees are batting 1.000. Both Judge and Gerrit Cole are obviously worth their record pay. And recall that Steinbrenner, who understands the value of the marquee brand, was the one who pushed hardest to keep Judge in the end. So dont overthink or overplay anyones early public comments. German Marquez Jersey