Aaron Boone to join Yankees group meeting with Juan Soto

NEW YORK -- Now that Aaron Boone knows he's returning to the New York Yankees as manager for the 2025 season, his focus will be on convincing Juan Soto to join him.

Boone on Monday confirmed he will join the Yankees' delegation -- led by owner Hal Steinbrenner -- traveling to California next week for a meeting with Soto, the top free agent in this winter's class. Soto is also scheduled to meet with a New York Mets contingent that includes owner Steve Cohen.

"Obviously, what Juan did for us between the lines this year was pretty special," said Boone, whose club option for the 2025 season was exercised last week. "But, equally, I was just impressed with the person. Really getting to know him and getting to manage him was a pleasure. So, I will be there next week. I certainly would love to have him back. Obviously, I want him in pinstripes moving forward."

Soto's combination of age, he turned 26 during the World Series, and hitting prowess make him arguably the most coveted position player in free agency since Alex Rodriguez in 2000. He is expected to sign a contract north of $500 million, perhaps surpassing Shohei Ohtani's heavily deferred $700 million deal in deferral-adjusted AAV and present-day total value.

The Toronto Blue Jays, San Francisco Giants, Los Angeles Dodgers and Philadelphia Phillies are among other potential landing spots, but the Mets and Yankees are widely considered the favorites, sources told ESPN.

"Who knows where it ends up," Boone said. "All I know is that we'll try and put our best foot forward with it and hope that Juan's back. But also know that whatever happens, I'm confident that the Steinbrenner family and the front office are going to do everything possible to put us in a position to have another strong team, another team that has a chance to compete for a championship."

Soto thrived in his one season in New York. Traded with Trent Grisham from the San Diego Padres to the Yankees for five players last December, Soto authored a dream platform year. The right fielder belted a career-high 41 home runs while finishing second in the majors behind teammate Aaron Judge in on-base percentage, third in OPS, third in wRC+ and fourth in fWAR during the regular season.

He continued his excellence in October. His go-ahead, three-run home run in the 10th inning of Game 5 of the American League Championship Series sent the Yankees to the World Series for the first time since 2009. He then went 5-for-16 with seven walks and a home run in the World Series, which the Dodgers won in five games. Overall, he batted .327 with four home runs and a 1.102 OPS in 14 postseason games.

Combined with his everyday theatrics, Soto became a beloved figure in the Bronx. Next week, the Yankees will make a pitch to continue the partnership for years to come.

"I think let it be organic and let the meeting go where it needs to go," Boone said. "I'm sure maybe he'll have questions now that he is a free agent [or wants] to address certain things. But I'm just going to go in there and be myself and confident in my relationship with Juan and certainly, hopefully, cement the point of how valuable and how much we think of him -- not only as a player, but as a person."

Whether Soto returns or not, Boone will lead the Yankees in 2025. Beyond that, however, is unknown. The manager said he has not discussed a contract extension with the organization.

"We'll see if there's any more dialogue that goes on," Boone said. "We'll see in that regard. But, regardless, I'm excited to be back and excited to get to lead this crew again."

Boone acknowledged there will be one change to his coaching staff "for sure" and possibly more, though he declined to share details.