The New York Yankees have made no secret of their desire to re-sign Juan Soto in free agency as they begin their push to return to the World Series after falling to the Dodgers. However, Soto has had offers from five teams, including the Dodgers, who recently signed star pitcher Blake Snell. With this potential in mind, the Yankees have made calls to other top MLB players, including former Cy Young winners Max Fried and Corbin Burnes.
“The Yankees recently staged calls with star free agent starters Corbin Burnes and Max Fried, along with several other top available players, and they remain almost solely focused on Soto,” MLB source Jon Heyman for the New York Post writes.
Additionally, the source stated, “[They] have not made offers to [Corbin Burnes and Max Fried], who might merely be part of the Yankees’ Plan B in case Soto goes to the Mets, Dodgers, Red Sox, Blue Jays or perhaps an unknown mystery team.”
Can the Yankees re-sign Juan Soto?
During the Juan Soto sweepstakes, which involves approximately five teams, the Yankees have spoken with the top pitchers but have not made any offers, maybe as a backup plan in case Soto rejects their offer or makes a counter-offer they cannot accept.
Similarly, the source states that the Yankees have spoken with other top names in the market, keeping their options open. Still, Soto remains their top goal, as he was the only Yankees player who showed up while Aaron Judge went missing in the World Series.
Furthermore, Heyman reported that the Yankees had increased their offer to Soto, which may give them an advantage over their opponents.
As the prize of free agency, like LeBron James in 2010, the great outfielder might command a new contract worth more than $600-million, just short of three-time MVP Shohei Ohtani’s $700-million deal.
Furthermore, according to the study, Soto would prefer a long-term agreement of 15 years or more, with many opt-outs. While the Yankees have agreed to this requirement, it is insufficient to tip the scales in their favour, as the other interested teams are also expected to agree.
However, the Yankees remain the favourites to re-sign Soto, who hit 41 home runs, had a.989 OPS, and placed third in MVP voting last season.
His experience with the Yankees may motivate him to stay and try to win another World Series with the Yankees, but other organizations may make appealing offers as well.
For example, the Dodgers are World Series winners with a deep lineup, yet the New York Mets have put on an impressive postseason run in 2024, and the possibility of teaming up with another star in Francisco Lindor could be appealing in its own way.
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