NEW YORK — At 1:27 a.m., Juan Soto stepped out of the New York Yankees’ clubhouse for the last time this season. Just before exiting, he turned to the clubhouse attendants and offered a final farewell.

“See you guys,” Soto said.

Thus began the unofficial start of Soto’s long-awaited free agency, with projections that he could command at least half a billion dollars from the franchise that ultimately signs him. His contract could surpass Shohei Ohtani’s average annual value, especially considering Soto just turned 26 and is among baseball’s most elite players.

After fielding numerous questions about his future, Soto sat at his locker, contemplating the staggering sum his bank account might reach in the coming months. He is not just a generational talent; he is poised to earn generational wealth. When asked if it had sunk in that he might earn at least $500 million, Soto smiled knowingly.

“It’s been on my mind for a while now,” he remarked.

Even well after the Los Angeles Dodgers clinched the World Series, Soto remained in full uniform, lost in thought as he stared at his locker, trying to make sense of the Yankees’ disappointing season.

Back in February, Soto was convinced the Yankees had more than enough talent to win it all. However, the Dodgers exposed the critical flaws that plagued the Yankees all year. When Alex Verdugo struck out to seal a 4-1 series defeat, Soto lingered in the dugout longer than any other player. Perched atop the bench with his batting helmet and gloves still on, he was ready for a final at-bat that never came. As he watched the Dodgers celebrate, frustration washed over him. Still, he was able to express gratitude for what the Yankees had accomplished, even if it didn’t culminate in a championship.

Anthony Volpe is watching the Dodgers celebrate on the top step. Juan Soto is sitting with his batting gloves on and helmet. pic.twitter.com/aswS9uCEf7

— Chris Kirschner (@ChrisKirschner) October 31, 2024

He reflected on the possibility of this being his last game in pinstripes, calling it a “tough one” to end on. Despite appreciating every moment of the year, he maintained that no team holds an advantage over the others as he enters free agency.

“I feel like every team has the same opportunities when I go into free agency,” Soto said. “I wouldn’t say any team has an advantage. We’ll evaluate what each has to offer.”

Soto stands out as the rare superstar who openly acknowledges his individual achievements, understanding that his performance will dictate his value. He realizes that he just finished the best season of his career, raising the question: Why would he leave the Yankees? He thrived hitting in front of Aaron Judge all year and is likely to finish among the top five in American League MVP voting. Few lineups could offer the kind of protection the Yankees can, not only enhancing his stats, but increasing his chances of returning to the World Series stage.

“This year will stay in my heart for the rest of my life,” Soto said of the 2024 Yankees. “It was really special. I’m proud of what I accomplished, largely thanks to Judge. The hard work I put in during the offseason paid off. I’m proud of myself and this group because they made it easy for me. I’m not sure what next year holds.”

A close teammate admitted to The Athletic that he had no inkling of Soto’s intentions in free agency, only merely suggesting that Soto genuinely enjoyed being a Yankee this year. He’s never been able to read what Soto wants in free agency.

It’s crucial to note that the Yankees were not Soto’s choice in 2024. They pursued him, believing he could be the missing piece for a title run. When it became clear he would join the Yankees, Soto felt excitement at being part of an organization consistently in playoff contention — an important factor for him as he weighs his options.

Reports suggest Soto might not have even been a Yankee if not for the late Peter Seidler, owner of the San Diego Padres, who wanted him to remain in San Diego for the duration of his career. Soto told The Athletic that he was open to signing a long-term extension with the Padres because of how loaded their roster is. He never sought a trade, believing he would play for San Diego in 2024 until the organization’s direction changed after Seidler’s death.

There’s a prevailing notion that New York, with its strong Dominican roots and proximity to Soto’s home country, gives the Yankees and Mets an edge. However, Soto downplayed this aspect in his decision-making process. What will weigh heavily on his mind in the coming months is the realization that the Yankees possess a formidable core of stars, equal to any other organization in baseball.

“Leaving a winning team is always difficult, and this place was truly special,” Soto said. “I’ve had a blast here. Regardless of where I end up, I’ll be happy for my teammates and the connections I’ve made. This group is exceptional. In the end, we’ll see what happens.”

Yankees fans have made their desires clear — they want Soto to remain in pinstripes for the entirety of his career. They’ve chanted “Re-sign Soto!” throughout the season, arriving at Yankee Stadium with replica blank checks bearing his name. His teammates have publicly lobbied for his return, with Jazz Chisholm Jr. boldly stating he should receive $700 million. Jasson Domínguez expressed his hope to learn from Soto, urging the Yankees to do whatever it takes to keep him.

“You have to give him the cash,” Domínguez said earlier in the World Series. “At the end of the day, after that at-bat in Cleveland, I would give him a blank check. Here’s whatever you want. Stay here.”

When asked what advice he would give Soto in free agency, Giancarlo Stanton’s message was: “Stay with us.”

There’s a palpable sense of urgency within the Yankees clubhouse and fan base to retain Soto, recognizing his immense value. Without him, the Yankees’ roster will be depleted in 2025. Fans have already begun to envision the next decade alongside him and Judge at the top of the order.

When asked if the fans’ desire for him to stay would influence his decision, Soto acknowledged the impact of their support on the Yankees’ ownership.

“Probably, it will impact the decision of ownership,” Soto said. “I’m really thankful for the fans. They’ve been incredible.”

Last offseason, Soto’s agent, Scott Boras, had his four biggest clients — Matt Chapman, Blake Snell, Jordan Montgomery, and Cody Bellinger — take their free agency deep into the process. Soto expressed no concern about a similar scenario this year, suggesting he wouldn’t mind if it happened again.

He also refrained from committing to instructing Boras to give the Yankees the final opportunity to match any offer in free agency, indicating that his single season in New York does not provide any clear advantage over other teams.

Soto would not directly answer whether he wishes to return to the Yankees next season, stating he plans to consider all offers that come his way. For fans hoping for warm sentiments about his future with the Yankees, his remarks on the final day of the season fell short.

This uncertainty loomed in the New York clubhouse as Soto sat in the dugout, watching the Dodgers celebrate on Yankee Stadium’s infield. He pondered what could have been while shifting focus to what he called “the next step” in his career.

For his manager, that next step is securing a long-term contract with the Yankees.

“I hope he’s here forever,” Aaron Boone said.

(Top photo of Soto: Sarah Stier / Getty Images)