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. 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.’’ : 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 t.