The Yankees have increased their offer to retain the services of Juan Soto, according to John Heynam of MLB Network.
Despite their firm intention to keep the spotlight in New York, the Yankees are also reportedly pursuing several high-profile free agents. For many teams, Soto’s decision will quickly influence the fate of other players available on the free agent market.
Heyman reports that the Yankees have also reached out to starting pitchers Corbin Burnes and Max Fried, although no formal offers have been made.
For now, the Yankees are focusing almost entirely on Soto, which could hurt their chances of getting their hands on a top-tier pitcher.
On Wednesday, left-hander Blake Snell signed a five-year, $182 million contract with the Dodgers (according to sources) on Tuesday, taking away one of the Yankees’ potential targets.
The Yankees, Mets, Toronto Blue Jays, Boston Red Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers have reportedly met with and presented offers to Soto over the past week. Heyman said negotiations are in the middle of the process with offers potentially exceeding $600 million.
It was learned Tuesday that Soto could make his final decision during the winter meetings, which run Dec. 8-12. Soto’s agent, Scott Boras, said the first contract offers should be made before Thanksgiving on Thursday.
Soto, 26, posted averages of .288/.419/.569 with 41 homers and 109 RBIs in 157 games last season, his only one in the Bronx after arriving after a trade with the San Diego Padres last winter. He finished third in American League MVP voting, behind teammate Aaron Judge and Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr.
