New York Yankees escalate bid in $600M Juan Soto chase as new stage begins

The New York Yankees have reportedly escalated their pursuit of Juan Soto by advancing to the second stage of bidding for the 26-year-old outfielder.

According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Yankees have increased their initial offer to Soto, who is said to be seeking a 15-year deal in free agency. Other teams, including the New York Mets, Los Angeles Dodgers, Boston Red Sox, and Toronto Blue Jays, remain contenders for the superstar, with the final bid expected to exceed $600 million.

Shohei Ohtani, a two-way phenom for the Dodgers, is currently the highest-paid player in MLB with a $700 million deal, though most of his earnings are deferred without interest. Soto, however, is reported to have no interest in a short-term contract that would result in a record-breaking salary in the near future.

“Though a short deal at a super-high annual salary could make some sense, since he would still become a free agent again in his 20s, word is out that such a deal doesn’t interest him, especially since he’s expected to receive opt-outs in any long deal,” Heyman wrote.

On MLB Tonight, insider Mark Feinsand added more details to Heyman’s report, explaining that the initial round of offers for Soto has likely concluded. “The way this process seems to be working is there was an initial round of offers that were supposed to come in pre-Thanksgiving, they did,” he said.

“But that just gives Soto and Scott Boras an idea of where these teams stand, how serious they are, and then they’re going to come back and there will be another round. The Yankees have apparently already gone to that second round.”

More news……

Juan Soto’s Free Agency Decision Leaves Yankees Concerned as Mets Express Interest

Juan Soto, a four-time MLB All-Star and 2019 World Series champion, will take his time evaluating free agency before deciding on his next contract.

Soto, who has previously been a free agent, signed with the Washington Nationals, made his MLB debut in 2018, and finished as the Rookie of the Year runner-up. Now, with his current contract ending, Soto and his agent, Scott Boras, are looking to replicate that success.

Boras explained that the decision will be a personal one for Soto, emphasizing that he wants to meet with potential teams in person before making any decisions. “Due to the volume of interest and Juan’s desire to hear [from other teams], I can’t put a timeframe on it, but it’s going to be a very thorough process for him,” Boras told ESPN. “He wants to meet people personally. He wants to talk with them. He wants to hear from them.”

Soto has earned a reputation as a fan favorite thanks to his exceptional skills as a left fielder, right fielder, and batter. Even when he returned to Nationals Park as a member of the Padres, he received a standing ovation. This past season with the New York Yankees, Soto played a key role in their World Series run, hitting 41 home runs.

“Owners want to meet with Juan and sit down and talk with him about what they’re going to provide for their franchise short term and long term,” Boras added.

While the Yankees remain interested in re-signing him, they face stiff competition, with the New York Mets emerging as a strong contender. Reports from The Mirror last week suggested that the Mets are planning to meet with Soto. Other teams, including the San Francisco Giants and Toronto Blue Jays, could also pursue the outfielder, according to ESPN.

Boras noted that the interest in Soto is likely just beginning, stating that any serious franchise will want a “great magician” like him, particularly given his proven ability to perform in the playoffs.