MLB insider Jon Heyman of the New York Post raised eyebrows when he suggested this past spring that the New York Yankees could target first baseman Pete Alonso in free agency if the New York Mets won the sweepstakes regarding All-Star outfielder Juan Soto, who helped the Yankees complete a trip to this year’s World Series.
ESPN’s Buster Olney offered an update on Heyman’s reports for a piece published Monday.
“If Soto signs elsewhere, the Yankees will pivot quickly — and general manager Brian Cashman’s history is that he largely focuses on pitching,” Olney explained. “…A theory of one rival executive is that if Soto signs with the Mets, then agent Scott Boras — who represents Soto and slugger Pete Alonso — will work to convince the Yankees that they need Alonso to fill in the power gap.”
Heyman mentioned last week that a Yankees “backup plan” for losing Soto to the Mets, Los Angeles Dodgers or a different club involves “Alonso plus pitching stars, perhaps former Cy Young winners Corbin Burnes or Blake Snell.”
On Sunday, Joel Sherman of the New York Post strongly hinted that Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner “will tap out before” Mets owner Steve Cohen amid negotiations with Soto’s camp.
Steinbrenner upset many Yankees fans when he said this past spring that the club’s payroll was “not sustainable” long-term due to luxury-tax penalties.
Meanwhile, some have speculated that Cohen could give Soto a contract worth at least $700M, re-sign Alonso and still acquire multiple needed starting and relief pitchers before spring training begins. It’s believed Soto will take his time in making his final decision and allow all would-be buyers to fight for his signature.
“The Mets are viewed as the Yankees’ stiffest challenge for Soto’s services, but other teams loom,” ESPN’s Jorge Castillo said.
Specifically, Castillo mentioned the Dodgers, Philadelphia Phillies, Toronto Blue Jays, Washington Nationals, San Francisco Giants and Chicago Cubs among the clubs that could realistically sign Soto.
“Soto will explore the market and give the Yankees a chance to match or exceed,” ESPN’s Jesse Rogers added.
It remains to be seen how far Steinbrenner will go in his attempt to convince Soto to commit his long-term future to the franchise, as the 26-year-old is not expected to give the Yankees any kind of discount this fall or winter.
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