Are Juan Soto and the Yankees beginning a long-term commitment, or a one-year whirl?

TAMPA, Fla. – More than once Monday, Juan Soto spoke glowingly about playing in the Bronx.

“It’s going to be electric. It’s going to be fun,’’ said the new Yankees slugger, who also mentioned the pride of performing before New York’s vast Latin community.

“It’s really exciting. It’s going to feel like home and I’m more than happy to be there.’’

But will he stay beyond 2024?

The elation felt by Yankees Universe upon Soto’s arrival comes with an unsettling sense that he might exit as a free agent this winter.

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“For me, I’m just focused on ’24,’’ said Soto, as Yankees position players officially reported to camp. “I’m here to play baseball…and try to win as much as we can and bring a championship to New York.’’

That was a pleasing note to strike on Day One in pinstripes.

But it doesn’t alleviate the risk of investing in a No. 22 jersey, only to see someone else wearing it at next year’s camp.

After all, his agent is Scott Boras, known for taking his clients on the open market – where five prominent Boras players remain as March nears.

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One of those players is Blake Snell, the reigning NL Cy Young Award winner.

Soto’s teammate on the San Diego Padres last year, Snell has been connected to Yankees interest since their No. 1 free agent target, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

On Monday, MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand reported that the Yanks made another contract offer to Snell, who rejected a previous $150 million, six-year offer – which was $12 million less than they gave Carlos Rodon last year in free agency, over the same contract length.

While the Yankees continue to seek ways to strengthen their pitching – which was further compromised by the Soto deal – they are content with a lineup that pairs Soto with Aaron Judge.

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“We both know the strike zone very well,’’ said Soto. “It’s going to be two walks or two gappers. I think it’s going to be great.’’

Soto could bat second, with Judge hitting third, though manager Aaron Boone hasn’t settled on a batting order.

“Any part of the lineup that I hit, I’m going to be fine with it,’’ said Soto.

Making Juan Soto feel at home in the Bronx

Full squad workouts begin Tuesday, but Boone admitted to lingering near the batting cage, watching Soto swing away Monday.

Mindful of Soto’s free agent walk year status, Boone called the lefty slugger into his office for a lengthy chat.

“I had a good talk with him…about the year, and how important I believe he is to our room,’’ said Boone. “And that I want him to make this his clubhouse, and to pour into other guys.

“Just trying to get him as comfortable as we can, and we’ll see what happens.’’

Soto praised Boone’s “A-1’’ communication since the December trade that sent Michael King and three other pitchers to the Padres for potentially one year of “The Generational Juan Soto.’’

That’s what was printed on Soto’s t-shirt Monday.

“It’s going to be fun to watch, seeing him and Judge tear apart the league,’’ said Giancarlo Stanton.

The Soto-Yankees trial marriage begins

At age 25, Soto already has something most Yankees don’t – a World Series ring earned with the 2019 Washington Nationals.

Soto will earn $31 million this year, and it might take a $500 million-plus deal to sign him in free agency.

Now begins the trial marriage between Soto and the Yankees, to see if they’re made for such a commitment.

“We’re going to get to know the Yankees organization and the city, and how it is playing in New York and make a decision,’’ said Soto, who pledged his trust in Boras.

Soto is not thinking long-term thoughts right now.

“Going to the playoffs and trying to win another championship, that’s what I’ve thought since I got traded,’’ said Soto, more concerned with controlling his emotions.

“It’s going to feel great,’’ said Soto. “And there’s going to be a lot of pressure too.’’

For a player with elite plate discipline and left-center field power, Soto’s awareness includes not going “crazy with the short porch in right field.

“Try to keep it quiet and smooth and keep doing the same things I’ve been doing since Day One.’’

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Juan Soto and the Yankees: Will he get a long-term contract and stay?