An interesting story surrounding All-Star outfielder Juan Soto (26, New York Yankees) has been revealed.

The New York Post said on the 5th (Korea Standard Time), "One of the reasons the Yankees started the season well is Soto," adding, "I can tell you now." At one point last summer, it was highly likely that Soto would stay in San Diego for a long time. Soto wore a Yankees uniform in a major trade in December last year as long-term contract negotiations with the San Diego Padres did not go smoothly.

According to the New York Post, Soto's agent, Scott Boras, contacted San Diego owner Peter Seidler last summer to pave the way for long-term contract negotiations. Negotiations that began very positively were halted after Seidler's death in November. Boras explained the situation at the time, saying, "The owner liked Soto," adding, "I called to say he wanted to sign Soto, and there were discussions that he wanted to keep him." Unfortunately, however, it did not go well due to health issues

The New York Post said, "Negotiations went smoothly at the time. Some say that if Sidler had lived, San Diego and Soto would have made a deal. One of the reasons is that not only the Sidler team but also General Manager AJ Preller likes Soto." The team is currently seeing a significant decrease in salary. When Sidler was alive, he opened his wallet without hesitation. Citing infielder Xander Bogaerts' contract (11 years, a total of 280 million dollars), the New York Post said, "No one expected it."

After leaving San Diego, Soto made a soft landing with the Yankees. He hit .345 (10 for 29) with one homer and four RBIs in his first seven games of the season. His OPS, which includes on-base percentage (0.441) and slugging percentage (0.483), is 0.924. The Yankees have six wins (1 loss) in seven games. "This is the start I wanted to start," Soto said. "I worked really hard this offseason and spring training to make it early in the season. I'm glad I got my way." He continued to show confidence, "There are times when we all fail and times when we succeed. I always want to be in that position. It doesn't matter if I get booed or applauded. I'm always ready."