The race for Juan Soto’s services is shaping up to be one of the most intense bidding wars. There may be a subtle, yet powerful factor that could tip the scales in favor of the New York Yankees and no, it’s not just money. According to baseball insider Andy Marino, the Yankees don’t necessarily need to offer Soto the highest contract to land him. He thinks that the deep-rooted love for the Yankees within Soto’s family gives them the edge.

Soto’s father has long been an outspoken fan of the Yankees. Marino reports that Soto Sr.’s admiration for the team could play a significant role in where the superstar ultimately lands. This affection for the Yankees might influence the younger Soto’s decision. While money will always be a primary factor in free-agent negotiations, especially in Scott Boras’ negotiations, Marino suggests otherwise.

He says that for Soto, the emotional pull toward the Yankees might be just as important as the financial one. “I don’t think the Yankees have to be top, top, top dollar,” Marino said, adding, “Money, winning, and being somewhere where he’s happy, and clearly the Yankees can give him all those things.” This emotional connection to the Yankees is something that cannot be underestimated, especially when you consider how much family plays a role in a player’s career decisions.

The temptation of the largest salary may not be as appealing as the comfort of playing for a team that has sentimental meaning, particularly if the offers are close. Plus New York City is undoubtedly a stage unlike any other. The Yankees are one of the most sought-after teams in sports because of their history, devoted fan base, and consistent championship hopes.  

Will the Yankees pull it off?

The Yankees aren’t usually cheap with their spending, but the notion that they don’t have to be the highest bidder would offer them a surprising edge in the Soto sweepstakes. New York might not need to outbid other teams to get the superstar if the Yankees make a competitive package that is within striking distance of the top suitor and take into account the sentimental importance Soto’s family holds on the organization.

As anticipated, outfielder Juan Soto received a qualifying offer from the New York Yankees prior to the deadline of 5 p.m. ET on Monday. The $21.05 million offer guarantees the Yankees a compensatory draft selection in the event that Soto signs elsewhere. This action is mostly seen as a formality, though, as Soto most likely turned down the offer in favor of looking for a far bigger deal in free agency.

While the qualifying offer is a standard procedure for teams looking to retain the rights to their players, it’s clear that the $21.05 million figure is nowhere near what Soto will command on the open market. After earning $31 million with the Yankees in 2023, Soto’s qualifying offer represents a significant pay cut—one that’s far below what he could potentially sign for in a long-term deal that’s expected to exceed $600 million.