"Juan Soto has improved our chances without a doubt” - Yankees GM reflects on blockbuster offseason trade amid World Series expectations

Juan Soto has been a revelation for the New York Yankees this season. After a blockbuster trade with the San Diego Padres last offseason, the ultra-talented outfielder has more than lived up to the hype surrounding the high-profile move.

After missing the postseason altogether last season, Soto has not only helped the Yankees return to the playoffs but helped make them one of the betting favorites to win the World Series. Although the Yankees happen to also feature one of the best players in the game, Aaron Judge, the acquisition of Soto changed the team's culture and World Series chances.

This is something that general manager Brian Cashman has acknowledged. While the Yankees executive was sure to mention that every team remaining in the playoffs still has a legitimate shot to win the title, he knows that Juan Soto certainly helps the team's chances.

"Certainly, he was brought in to improve our chances and he has improved our chances without a doubt," Brian Cashman said in an interview with SNY.

Although Cashman did not want to say that Soto was the exact reason for the team's improvements this season, there is no denying his impact. Through 157 games this year, the 25-year-old outfielder posted an incredible 41 home runs, 109 RBIs, and a .288 batting average while also earning his fourth All-Star selection.

"Partnering with the cast of characters that we already had or we brought in with him allowed us to put ourselves in the position to be the best record in the American League," Cashman continued.

Last offseason, the Yankees acquired both Juan Soto and Trent Grisham from the Padres in exchange for Michael King, Randy Vasquez, Drew Thorpe, Jhony Brito and Kyle Higashioka.

Juan Soto's pending free agency is sure to dominate the offseason

Even though the New York Yankees are viewed as one of the favorites to contend for the World Series, the pending free agency of Juan Soto is something that has been a major storyline throughout the season. It remains to be seen if the talented outfielder will remain with the club for the long term or not, regardless of the team's postseason results.

If the Yankees and Soto are unable to come to an extension agreement, he will easily be the most coveted player in free agency. A number of other clubs have been linked to Soto if he hits the open market, including the New York Mets and his former club, the Washington Nationals. While his future team remains unclear, the one thing that is certain is that Soto is going to get paid.