The New York Yankees are expected to make a major financial commitment this winter as they aim to outbid the competition for superstar Juan Soto.
As the wealthiest team in baseball, the Yankees have the resources to re-sign Soto regardless of the cost. However, keeping the star outfielder is not guaranteed, with high-spending rivals like the New York Mets and Boston Red Sox also vying for the coveted free agent. Even if they fail to secure Soto, the Yankees could still land a top slugger this offseason.
“The Yankees have checked in on (Anthony) Santander, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post,” Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer wrote on Wednesday when discussing the potential destinations for the Baltimore Orioles outfielder. “He’d be a terrific fit at Yankee Stadium, as much of his power is channeled to right field as a lefty hitter.” However, Heyman also mentioned that Santander is considered a backup plan in case the Yankees are unable to retain Soto. This puts the Yankees in a similar position as the Mets, with the risk being that Santander may sign before Soto’s market is fully determined.
Santander, who has spent eight seasons with the Orioles, has a career .246 batting average with 316 extra-base hits, 155 home runs, 435 RBIs, and a .776 OPS.
The 30-year-old’s projected market value is around $97 million for a five-year deal, averaging just over $19 million annually, according to Spotrac.
With the bidding war for Soto expected to be fierce, Mets owner Steven Cohen is ready to spend whatever it takes to acquire the 2019 World Series champion. Should the Yankees fail to bring Soto back, securing Santander should be their next priority—assuming he’s still available.
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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.
