Juan Soto’s fans know better than to trust the vibes. After all, while the superstar and the New York Yankees look like a perfect match, they’ve already seen a similar script play out before. Soto’s connection with the Washington Nationals was equally good but that ended quite abruptly. While it isn’t necessary that something similar can happen here, one can’t help but wonder just what the long-term future of Soto is in the Pinstripes.

After all, this is by far the most mainstream team that Soto has been a part of. The Nats were the underdogs and the San Diego Padres were the perennial underachievers. But the Bronx Bombers are a different beast – they are the dynasty (or at least they once were). So naturally the pressure is much higher here than anywhere else. With this being Soto’s walk year – is there a longer future in The Bronx for the Dominican superstar?

Juan Soto’s heartbreaking team history raises doubts 

While Soto quickly denied any regrets about rejecting that $440 million offer from the Nats, The Athletic’s article touched upon the hurt he felt while leaving his first home. For Soto, he had never imagined being anywhere other than Washington. He had a home there, his family was there and his entire life circled that city. But then, the moment he rejected that deal his time in the Nats had a countdown attached to it. 

The initially lively Soto became a somber loner by the end of his tenure in the Nats. He felt “betrayed” and “hurt” when the offer talks were leaked. That was the moment the permanent fracture was seen between the Nats and Soto. Later he was traded to the San Diego Padres but something similar unfolded there.

Unlike the Nats, Soto never felt completely fitted into the Friars’ system. He was constantly seen with headphones on his head, trying to stay as quiet as possible. The fact that this demeanor accompanied a general downturn in form wasn’t hidden from anyone. Soto also knew that the Pads had no money to sign him after their multiple huge deals with Manny Machado and Fernando Tatis Jr. So finally he left from there and entered the alluring Yankee Stadium.

With Soto’s history of completely disengaging from the team after a heartbreak or pressure – one wonders whether something similar can unfold in the Yankees too. 

Why the New York Yankees might actually have a chance

The Juan Soto of the New York Yankees is highly different from the one that left the Padres. It was visible from day one that the superstar had completely taken to the Bronx Bombers’ environment. Videos of his growing chemistry with Aaron Judge also told a similar tale. After years the Childish Bambino began looking like his usual self. Then comes his tremendous slash of .345/.441/.483 to start his Yankees’ stint. 

Can that make the Yankees’ task easier? Perhaps it can give them an edge. But then they’ll have to ensure that Soto doesn’t feel the way he did by the end of his tenure with the Nats. That is, under immense pressure from fans and constantly under scrutiny. If the Yankees can manage to do that – perhaps this beautiful relationship can blossom into something much more beautiful.

Read more: Juan Soto Opens Up on Rejecting $440 Million Contract, Lauds Aaron Judge’s Self Belief