In the world of baseball, loyalty is a prized commodity, often measured in years spent wearing a particular uniform. But what happens when a brief, brilliant stint clashes with a relatively longer, steadier career? The New York Yankees, a franchise steeped in tradition, are reportedly facing such a dilemma.
Yes! We’re talking about Juan Soto‘s single season with the New York Yankees. That was nothing short of spectacular. The young slugger slashed .288/.419/.569, blasted 41 home runs, and racked up a 7.9 WAR. He was, without a doubt, a driving force behind the Yankees’ offense, and a key reason they reached the World Series final. His impact was undeniable, a bright, shining – although brief – chapter in Yankees’ recent history. He was almost a hero of the team.
Despite Soto’s electrifying performance, an insider report has thrown a curveball into the narrative. When asked about potential tribute videos during the upcoming Yankees-Mets series on 16 March, New York Post columnist Joel Sherman forwarded a surprising perspective from Yankees executives. Per Sherman: “When I asked a few Yankees executives about the two Mets, they suggested not likely for Soto because he only played one year for the team and probably a yes for (Clay) Holmes, who was a Yankee for 3 ½ seasons.”
The potential preference for Holmes raises intriguing questions. Is it simply a matter of rewarding a longer stint? Or could other factors be at play? Soto, after all, chose the Mets, signing a record-breaking 15-year, $765 million contract, despite a comparable 16-year, $760 million offer from the Yankees. The Mets’ deal included a significant $75 million signing bonus and an opt-out clause. Did this decision, prioritizing a different environment over a slightly different financial package, influence the Yankees’ thinking?
The Yankees tribute test: Holmes or Soto?
So it’s kind of Holmes’s homecoming. But how was the journey?
Clay Holmes, now sporting Mets orange and blue, spent three and a half seasons as a reliable reliever for the Bronx, amassing 74 saves. His new three-year, $38 million contract with the Mets, however, represents a shift – a transition to a starting pitcher role, something he hasn’t consistently done since 2018. Ironically, injuries to Mets starters Sean Manaea and Kodai Senga thrust Holmes into the Opening Day spotlight. His situation is unique.
The Yankees’ history includes an extensive tradition of honoring players, often favoring longer-tenured ones. Think of Mariano Rivera‘s 50-minute ceremony after 19 seasons, or Derek Jeter’s 45-minute tribute to two decades in pinstripes. Eight years also earned Mark Teixeira a pregame ceremony upon his retirement. The common thread in these examples is that: longevity seems to play a large role in the Yankees’ decisions to pay tribute. This creates a legacy.
However, the Yankees have recognized impactful players with shorter tenures. While he had a short stay, the Yankees paid a soulful tribute to a legend Ricky Handerson. They also recognized Ichiro Suzuki‘s Hall of Fame induction in 2025, despite just parts of three seasons in the Bronx, they honored his whole career, not his service. Not only the Yankees, but the Cubs also played a tribute video to Anthony Rizzo when he returned to Wrigley. This shows impact creates exceptions sometimes. So why not this time?
The reported potential snub of Juan Soto in favor of Clay Holmes highlights a fundamental question about how the Yankees value contributions. So the main question is this: will the Yankees prioritize loyalty, or will they acknowledge the undeniable impact, however brief, of a superstar who helped them reach for a championship?
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