New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone hopes the team can hand out the checkbook for Juan Soto this offseason.

“I hope he’s going to be here forever, but I also know I’m excited for him and what the next few months will be for him,” Boone told reporters when discussing the impending free agent after Wednesday’s loss in the World Series. “But from my point of view, I couldn’t have asked for better.”

He’s not the only one hoping Soto returns, as Aaron Judge said, “I think everyone in this room wants him back.” … He just does a lot of the little things that people don’t notice that really make him one of the best players, if not the best player in the game.”

For his part, Soto said he was “open to listening to any team”, while adding that he would like to sign with a winning club.

The Yankees were a winning club after trading for him last season.

They reached the World Series in large part due to his individual excellence, as he hit .288/.419/.569 with 41 home runs, 109 RBI and a league-best 128 runs before hitting .327 with four home runs in 14 postseason . games.

It was another standout season for someone who is just 26 years old and has a resume that includes a World Series title, a batting title, four Silver Sluggers and four All-Star Games.

That combination of skill, proven production and age means Soto could receive a huge deal this offseason.

New York has always been known as a team willing to invest in the league’s best players, and last season was no different. The New York Mets were the only team with a higher payroll in 2024, and Soto could ultimately choose between the two teams in the Big Apple.

Boone made his preference clear, which was anything but a surprise after Soto’s impressive season.