Yankees free agency rumors: New York in talks with high-profile starters, could pivot to Willy Adames if they miss out on Juan Soto - Reports
The New York Yankees are looking at their other options despite their steadfast efforts to bring Juan Soto back to the Bronx.
As per multiple reports, Soto's contract value is expected to easily breach the $600 million mark. Whichever teams signs him will have difficulty in signing the other top free agents left in the market — pitchers Max Fried and Corbin Burnes and shortstop Willy Adames.
It is tougher for the Yankees who already have the highest payroll among Soto's suitors. Thus, the club has already contacted Fried and Burnes.
As per Mike Puma and Joel Sherman of the New York Post, the team had spoken to both starters. They held separate Zoom calls with Burnes and Fried that featured nine big names from their management, including Yankees general manager Brian Cashman and manager Aaron Boone.
The Yankees are in contention for Burnes alongside their AL East opponents — the Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays and Baltimore Orioles. Meanwhile, Fried has several video meetings lined up this week.
Understandably, New York does not want the Blake Snell scenario to happen again. The LA Dodgers swooped in and signed Snell to a five-year $182 million contract before other teams could make a dedicated effort.
MLB.com's Mark Feinsand reported on Thursday that if the Soto deal doesn't go as planned, the Bronx Bombers will be tempted to "swing big" for Willy Adames. Their biggest competition for the Brewers shortstop seems to be the San Francisco Giants.
Juan Soto expected to sign before winter meetings, per Jeff Passan
The Yankees contacting other big names in the market is an indication that the Juan Soto sweepstakes is finally nearing its conclusion. As per Jeff Passan on Thursday, the outfielder is expected to unveil his new home before the winter meetings that will start on Monday.
"We will know (Soto's decision), at latest, by the time the Winter Meetings in Dallas start (Dec. 9)," Passan said on Sportscenter.
Passan added that the money grab for Soto could go above the $700 million mark, the amount that the Dodgers signed Shohei Ohtani for last season.