Juan Soto has earned his pinstripes this postseason.

And he may have earned himself $700 million in the process.

Soto makes up one of the most dangerous lineups in all of baseball, including Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton (Photo by Mary DeCicco/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

Soto’s two-run shot in the top of the tenth in Game 5 of the ALCS, put the Yankees on top for good over the Cleveland Guardians, helping New York advance to the World Series for the first time since 2009.

Soto’s performance in these playoffs has been a large reason why.

And it is exactly what general manager, Brian Cashman, was hoping for when he traded for Soto back in December.

“That was the whole purpose of going all-in,” Cashman said.

“We gave up a lot and it was a one-year deal for a lot of money. So it was a big chess move, no doubt about it.

“That was designed to increase our chances, and it did.” 

It certainly did increase their chances, as they find themselves back in the Fall Classic for the first time in 15 years.

The bill for Soto is going to come due, very soon, and Cashman feels comfortable with how much Soto has enjoyed his time in the pinstripes and isn’t too worried about it at the moment.

“I think he’s had a hell of a run,” Cashman said.

“He’s enjoyed it. He’s performed. He’s felt like he’s always been here, the way he’s acclimated himself. I think all boxes checked in terms of enjoying his time and liking the franchise.

“But again, he’s earned the right to be a free agent. So all those type of discussions will happen in the [offseason].”

The bidding war will be historic for the soon-to-be 26-year-old. Cashman and the Yankees will try their best to keep him long-term, but their neighbors in Queens may have a say in whether or not Soto moves across town.

The New York Mets are reportedly going to make a strong push to pry Soto away from their same city rival.

Whoever signs Soto, it’s not going to be cheap. Just ask his current teammates.

“I think we should re-sign Soto, $700 million” Jazz Chisholm Jr. said, after the Yankees clinched the AL pennant, bringing to mind the figure handed to Shohei Ohtani as last season’s major free agency prize.

“That’s my number. Final offer.” 

“We need him to stay. He’s going to stay,” ALCS MVP Giancarlo Stanton said. “We gotta bring it [a championship] home and then we’ll bring him home.” 

Soto is looking to win his second World Series, after previously winning one with the Washington Nationals (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

Amidst the celebration after the Yankees punched their ticket to the World Series, Soto seemed elated to be member of the Bronx Bombers.

“Thank you to everybody who was involved in this trade,” Soto said.

“I’m really happy with that. I’m really happy to be here. Traded me to one of the best teams I’ve ever been on in my life.” 

Only time will tell if he remains on one of the best teams in his life, but until then, a best of seven showdown for the ages with Ohtani and the Los Angeles Dodgers await, with ultimate glory on the line.