REPORT: Juan Soto only has ‘one excuse on the planet Earth’ to leave Yankees

Juan Soto has plenty of potential suitors as his highly anticipated free agency hit a fever pitch, but almost none of them should be the reason he leaves the Yankees.

That’s according to ESPN’s “First Take” commentator Stephen A. Smith.

The Soto sweepstakes has been a conversation in just about every corner of the sports media world, and that includes ESPN’s top debate show.

Chris “Mad Dog” Russo joined the program Wednesday for his weekly hit, and the conversation picked up when the longtime radio host said that he believes, when he went through all the logical bidders, that the Red Sox will end up with Soto.

Stephen A. Smith thinks there's only one team Juan Soto can justifiably join that's not the Yankees.

“This is wacky and I have no inside information, I think he might sign with the Red Sox,” Russo said. “I have a funny feeling.”

That did not sit well with Smith, particularly over the fact Russo didn’t have any sourcing to back up his feelings.

“I don’t appreciate you bringing that up if you don’t have inside information,” a tense Smith said. “Don’t be trying to jinx stuff! Don’t do that.”

Juan Soto hit 41 homers for the Yankees this past season.

Then, Smith said, in his belief, there’s really only one reason for Soto to even consider leaving The Bronx, and that is for the World Series champion Dodgers.

“The point I’m making to you is this: There is only one excuse on the planet Earth for Juan Soto to leave the New York Yankees, and that’s if you go to the Los Angeles Dodgers. There is no other reason to leave the Yankees.”

Soto, who is expected to land a deal north of $600 million, according to The Post’s Jon Heyman and Joel Sherman, also has been courted by the Mets and the riches of Steve Cohen, but Smith said there’s no reason for the All-Star outfielder to leave the Yankees for the “fair-weather stepchild” of New York.

Juan Soto

At the of end the long diatribe, Smith implored Yankees general manager Brian Cashman to pick up some pitching to help improve the team.

Coincidentally enough, the Yankees had meetings with both lefty Max Fried and righty Corbin Burnes this week as they await Soto’s decision, The Post reported Wednesday.

Related Posts

Slot singing a different tune to Liverpool critics as Reds boss plots comeback

Arne Slot faced vocal discontent from Liverpool fans after the draw with Tottenham Hotspur but he is now aiming for European progress

🚨 GAME CHANGER: Astros Vs Orioles at Stadium Gets a Stunning New Kickoff Time. Fans Won’t Believe the Schedule Twist – NEWS USA

Orioles vs Astros: Baltimore’s Offense Powers Key Victory The Baltimore Orioles faced off against the Houston Astros in an exciting matchup that showcased strong hitting, aggressive baserunning,…

REPORT EMPRESS MYSTERY ERUPTS: Ellie the Empress Beach Frenzy unfolds along a Thai shoreline as footage of an elephant rushing through the background fuels intense speculation, while on-site accounts suggest the scene carried far more complexity than initially visible, and the unfolding details continue to elevate the moment into a widening international fixation 👇👇👇

Shocking Turn of events Cарtured on Drone Footаge… On the serene morning of Wednesdаy, October 15, 2025, аt 02:30 рM +07, the рicturesque beаches of Krаbi, Thаilаnd,…

Red Sox Keep Fueling Matt Shaw and Nico Hoerner Trade Rumors

IMAGE: Imagn Images The Red Sox made a move this offseason by signing veteran infielder Isiah Kiner-Falefa to a one-year, $6 million deal. But if that signing…

Rangers Finalize Deal With Veteran Pitcher Ahead Of Spring Training

IMAGE: Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Ryan Brasier (54) delivers a pitch against the Kansas City Royals during the first inning at Wrigley Field. / Kamil Krzaczynski /…

LIVERPOOL SEAL SUNDERLAND DEAL FOR LUTSHAREL GEERTRUIDA THIS MORNING — ON HIS WAY TO ANFIELD ! 😱

LIVERPOOL, Inglaterra – En un giro inesperado, Liverpool ha sellado un acuerdo con Sunderland para la incorporación de Lutsharel Geertruida, quien se encuentra en camino a Anfield. Este movimiento se produce en un momento crítico, con la fecha límite de transferencias a solo horas de distancia y los aficionados ansiosos por ver nuevas caras en […]