The Yankees GM gives a 'simple' answer to the question of whether the team will keep Juan Soto

New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman understands how important the upcoming contract negotiations with Juan Soto will be once the World Series is over.

Acquiring Soto was a boon for the Yankees when they traded him to the San Diego Padres in the offseason.

He posted a .288 batting average with 41 homers in the regular season and is 11 for 33 with three homers in the Yankees' postseason run this year.

Cashman smiled Friday night before Game 1 of the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers when asked by Fox News Digital what it would take to bring him back.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Juan Soto of the New York Yankees hits a home run in the third inning in Game 1 of the ALCS on October 14, 2024 in New York. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

“A lot,” he said. “It’s that simple.”

Cashman said Soto was pretty much everything the organization hoped he would be. He is arguably the third best player in the World Series.

“We certainly hoped so,” he said. “We gave up a lot and fortunately we got a lot. So hopefully he’s got a little bit more left in him.”

The Soto negotiations will be the focal point of the Yankees' offseason next week, regardless of the outcome.

Juan Soto of the New York Yankees speaks during media day before the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

FOLLOW GAME 1 OF THE WORLD SERIES ON FOX SPORTS

Soto, who just turned 26, was asked about free agency on Friday and was referred to agent Scott Boras.

“Scott did a really good job,” Soto told The Associated Press. “He took all the bullets and everything. I’m just focused on playing baseball right now.”

He previously turned down a 15-year, $440 million contract while still with the Washington Nationals. But that seems like a lifetime ago.

Juan Soto of the New York Yankees celebrates his home run against the Cleveland Guardians in the third inning of Game 1 of the ALCS on October 14, 2024 in New York. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Soto is ready to write the next chapter of his career. It could start with a second World Series ring with the winningest franchise in baseball history.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Follow Fox News Digital Sports coverage of X and subscribe the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.