The Yankees made the biggest move of the MLB offseason thus far, trading for star outfielder Juan Soto on Wednesday night. While many New York fans were asking for the trade, one Yankees legend called his shot months before the deal went through.
At the MLB All-Star Game in July, Derek Jeter said he wanted to see the Yankees trade for Soto to improve their team. While Jeter was first talking about the trade deadline, San Diego chose to hold off on trading Soto until the offseason and New York pounced the moment he was available, making Jeter’s wish come true.
Derek Jeter: "I wouldn't mind seeing the Yankees go out and get Juan Soto."
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) December 7, 2023
Narrator: The Yankees went out and got Juan Soto. pic.twitter.com/kcIVWcak6E
Jeter clearly admires Soto, and the feelings appear to be mutual. On social media, MLB posted an old video of Soto at the MLB store buying a Jeter jersey and asking the Hall of Famer for a request.
“Shoutout to Derek Jeter,” he said. “I’m getting your jersey here at the MLB store, will you please sign it for me?”
Jeter saw this video on Thursday and had a simple message in response.
“See you at Yankee Stadium,” he said.
See you at Yankee Stadium https://t.co/daoq9M7rKA
— Derek Jeter (@derekjeter) December 7, 2023
Soto has not even been a Yankee for a full day, but he is already getting a full-court press of praise from the last two Yankees captains. Aaron Judge officially welcomed Soto to the team on Thursday morning, followed soon thereafter by Jeter’s message, which must make the star outfielder feel pretty good.