The New York Yankees are laser-focused on retaining superstar outfielder Juan Soto as his free-agent market heats up.
The five-time SIilver Slugger is projected to land a contract similar to Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion Shoehei Ohtani's $700 million deal. With such a high price tag, few teams are considered legitimate contenders for the acquisition of Soto.
Unfortunately for the Yankees, their most hated rival is emerging as a surprise candidate to steal Soto from the 27-time World Series champions.
"For the Yankees, it is not just a regional rival but a blood rival that looms as a serious threat in the Juan Soto derby," New York Post's Jon Heyman wrote Tuesday night. "The (Boston) Red Sox are increasingly seen as a legitimate contender in the sweepstakes for the generational slugger as word is they are stepping up efforts to lure the superstar hitter away from their historic American League East nemesis. Sources say the Red Sox are attempting to sell Soto on his fit in Boston — a fit both at Fenway Park and within the history of the franchise."
After neglecting to spend last offseason when it had the capital, Boston appears ready to do whatever's necessary to bounce back in 2025. Landing Soto, the prize of this year's free agency, would be a great place to start.
"Executives involved in the bidding, which is in its relatively early stages, say they expect some offers to eventually reach or exceed $600 million, which would easily be a record for present-day value (Shohei Ohtani's heavily deferred $700 million Dodgers deal's worth is pegged at between $430 million to $470 million)," Heyman continued. "Such an expenditure from the Red Sox would be stunning for a franchise that traded away Mookie Betts rather than signing him long term; that has cut payroll significantly beginning in 2020 and spent around $120 million less last season than the Yankees; and, relatedly, that has reached the postseason in one of the past six seasons, a span that has included three last-place finishes in the AL East."
Mets' Steven Cohen is the wealthiest owner in baseball and has been expected to use his superior purchasing power to lure Soto away from the Bronx.
However, the Red Sox are long overdue for a superstar signing and would love to steal Soto from their bitter rivals, the Yankees. Could Boston reignite its heated rivalry with the Bronx this winter by signing the four-time All-Star?
More MLB: Multiple Reports Indicate Red Sox, Yankees Could Ignite Bidding War For Cy Young Winner - Newsweek
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