Juan Soto on free agency: Yankees 1 of 30 teams, no hometown discount

NEW YORK — When the Yankees were finally hugged and tears dried up more than an hour after they unfathomably lost the World Series to the Dodgers, Juan Soto took turns doing post-match interviews in the middle of the clubhouse.

There were two questions about the Yankees’ blooper-filled 7-6 loss in Game 5, then 10 minutes of free agency.

It’s here. The Yankees have five days of exclusive negotiating rights, but there is absolutely no chance they will work out a contract on Monday.

The biggest takeaway?

Soto had several chances to say he wanted to stay with the Yankees, but failed each time.

Officer Scott Boras puts this young man through training.

Soto also made it clear that the Yankees will not get a hometown discount. He says all 30 teams are participating and his biggest criteria is a winning team.

“I feel like every team has the same opportunity going into free agency,” Soto said. “I don’t want to say anyone has any advantage because at the end of the day we’re going to see what they have.”

Soto also came up with a funny quote when asked if the Yankees fans’ love for him could influence his decision:

“It will probably influence the owner’s decision! We’ll see how it goes. I’m definitely very excited and very grateful for those fans. They have been incredible all year.”

What Soto should have said if he wants to go to a winning team that offers the most money.

The initial speculation is that Soto will get at least $600 million.

“It’s a lot of money people are talking about here,” he said.

Will the Yankees go that high? Here’s the latest:

An industry source told NJ Advance Media baseball columnist Bob Klapisch on Wednesday that the Yankees will be “competitive.”

That might not be nearly enough if the Mets or someone else is all-in.

The questions about Soto’s future started when he was asked if he thinks he has played his last game as a Yankee.

“You never know,” he replied. “Eventually we will see where we stand. It’s definitely a tough match to be my last, but I’m really happy with what we’ve achieved as a team and how far we’ve come. We definitely wanted to be the last team standing, but things happen.

Soto was then asked if he hopes to return to the Yankees if the money is right. Even then he wouldn’t say yes.

“We’ll have to sit down and look at it when we get a chance with my agent,” he said.

Here are other highlights:

Soto on free agency:

“It’s going to be exciting. It will be a good experience. I think every player in the major leagues wants to experience what it will be like in free agency.”

So if perception wants to sign with Yankees or Mets:

‘I don’t think so. I’m very happy with the city, with the team, with how these guys are doing. But at the end of the day we’ll see. We’re going to look at every situation and every offer I get and make a decision.

Soto on if he thinks the Mets will pursue him:

“I don’t know the teams that want to come after me, but I’m certainly open to any team. I haven’t closed any doors, so I’m going to be available for all 30 teams.

Soto on if it would be difficult to leave the Yankees:

“It’s always hard to leave a place where a winning team exists. This place was definitely very special. It was a blast for me. I have been very happy. Definitely whether I’m there or not. I would be very happy for the team. The people I met here, this was a very special group. But in the end we will see what will happen.

Soto on whether it would be difficult to lose Judge as a teammate:

“I’m really happy with what we did this year as a duo, as teammates. “Just incredible. I really learned a lot from him. That was really cool to see. I’m going to take that with me to my next step.”

Soto on possibly leaving the Yankees after hitting 41 home runs behind Judge

“I would say this will stay in my heart for the rest of my life, this group of guys. This year is really special for me. But I am certainly very proud of what I have achieved. Thanks to the judge.”

Soto on whether he wants to return to the Yankees and win the World Series next year, losing this season:

“We’re going to look at the Yankees as one of the teams I want to be with and we’ll go from there.”

Soto on whether he gives the Yankees a chance to match high offers:

“The Yankees, I have open arms to let them come in and talk to me. I haven’t closed any doors. I’m going to keep all my doors open and whoever wants to come in and talk, we’re going to have a good conversation.”

Soto on Yankees teammates’ message to him through free agency:

“They only wish me the best of luck. Make sure I do the best for myself and my family. These guys were special. I’m very happy to play with them.”

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Randy Miller can be reached at [email protected].

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