**NEW YORK** – With his contract secured through 2025, Yankees manager Aaron Boone is focused on his first priority: a trip to California. Next week, Boone will meet with Juan Soto, his agent Scott Boras, and managing general partner Hal Steinbrenner in a high-stakes meeting regarding Soto’s future with the team.
The Yankees are eager to retain the 26-year-old Soto, who played a key role in the team’s World Series run after being acquired from the Padres in December. As a coveted free agent, Soto is expected to receive substantial offers, including from the Mets, who also have a meeting scheduled with Soto and Boras.
“I’ve said all year, what Juan did for us on the field was exceptional, and he had a remarkable season,” Boone said during a Zoom call on Monday. “But equally, I was impressed by the person. Getting to know him and managing him was a real pleasure.”
“I’d love to have him back. I want him in pinstripes, but I know there will be plenty of competition for him, and who knows where it ends up?”
Boone acknowledged that Soto has already experienced a full season in New York, including the attention from fans and the pressure of playing in the spotlight. The Yankees’ World Series appearance remains fresh in everyone’s minds.
Boone plans to emphasize his strong relationship with Soto during their meeting, highlighting their “honest conversations” and showing how much the team values him—not only as a player but as a person.
“Hopefully, that’ll show how much we want him here, but we’ll let the meeting unfold naturally,” Boone said.
Lingering Sting
Boone reflected on the sting of falling short in the World Series, admitting that the loss would likely remain with him forever. Despite the disappointment, he acknowledged the Dodgers’ criticism of the Yankees’ baserunning and defensive play in the postseason.
“The bottom line is we didn’t play as well as we could have,” Boone said.
The ‘Martian’ Factor
Boone also spoke about the future of top prospect Jasson Domínguez, saying he expects the young outfielder to play a significant role in the Yankees’ plans for 2025. Boone praised Domínguez’s talent and makeup, though it remains to be decided whether he will primarily play left or center field, depending on Soto’s potential return and other roster moves.
“I’m really excited about Jasson’s future,” Boone said. “I think he’s going to be a great big league player. I love his talent and his makeup.”
Boone also spoke highly of infield prospect Caleb Durbin, who is performing well in the Arizona Fall League. “I think he’s a stud,” Boone said, highlighting Durbin’s bat-to-ball skills, speed, and solid defense at second base.
Beyond 2025
The Yankees recently exercised Boone’s 2025 option, reportedly worth around $3 million, though there have been no discussions yet about an extension beyond that.
“There are still a lot of organizational details to work out, so we’ll see what unfolds,” Boone said. “But I’m ready and excited for 2025.”
Boone also mentioned that there will likely be at least one change to his coaching staff in 2025, and possibly two, though he declined to elaborate on those potential moves. He expects the staff to remain mostly intact from the 2024 season.
read more: https://mlb.com/yankees/news/aaron-boone-on-returning-to-yankees-in-2025-juan-soto