Superstar free agent Juan Soto is the primary objective for the New York Yankees as they begin a crucial offseason. However, the Yankees are considering adding some pitchers and one or two infielders in addition to Soto. They have been linked to several of the best pitchers in this class of free agents, including Corbin Burnes, Blake Snell, and Max Fried.

According to Zachary Rymer of Bleacher Report, the Yankees will strengthen their rotation this winter, but not in the manner that many had expected. Rymer believes they will sign Justin Verlander to a one-year, $15 million contract rather than bringing in a top ace.

Speaking of other Hall of Famers who faced death head-on this year, Verlander started 2024 on the injured list and never found his rhythm until he got back. His contact rate (81.0 percent) and fastball (93.5 mph) also declined in turn,” Rymer wrote. Nevertheless, the conservative thinks he has “a lot more to give.” Although there won’t be much harm in a team paying to find out, it was stated that the team should have backup plans in case this year was indeed Verlander’s last year.

As a reclamation project, adding Verlander could make sense, but not at the cost Rymer anticipates. This transaction would make some sense if the Bronx Bombers could acquire him for a few million dollars. However, given that New York has openings at first base, second base, and across the bullpen, $15 million would be a waste of money.

According to an insider, after meeting, the Yankees’ top rival is “optimistic” about signing Juan Soto.

The New York Mets anticipate acquiring superstar outfielder Juan Soto from the New York Yankees in free agency.

This week, Scott Boras, Soto’s agent, spoke with a number of interested teams in California. According to MLB insider Jon Hyeman of The New York Post, New York had a fantastic meeting with the Mets, who were among the favorites to sign Soto.

Heyman believes the organization hopes to sign Soto away from the Yankees after the Mets meeting.

The powerful meetings are taking place in a highly covert way at an undisclosed location close to Newport Beach, California. Thus, only fragments are escaping,” Heyman stated in his paper. But according to one source, the Mets are “hopeful” and possibly even optimistic about their chances of taking home the largest prize of this class of free agents. According to sources, Cohen was accompanied at the California conference by Mets baseball manager Carlos Mendoza and president David Stearns, who are both reported to have left a favorable impression.

It would be devastating for the Yankees if Soto left for the Mets. In order to re-sign Soto and retain him in the Bronx, New York has stated that they will stop at nothing.

An insider believes the Mets will outspend the Yankees.

What the Mets can provide Soto is a major factor in their decision to sign him.

Heyman thinks that in order to get Soto, Cohen is prepared to part with his cash and outspend the other teams.

“The Mets have a couple advantages even if the Yankees are the incumbent. Heyman began by praising Cohen’s substantial resources and his ambition to bring a long-term victor to Queens. The Mets, who have had the most payroll in Major League Baseball for the last two seasons, advanced to the NLCS this season and seem to be improving.

Cohen is considered their biggest asset, showing a willingness to spend heavily in the past two seasons to build a winning team in Queens. Additionally, shedding $150 million in payroll works in their favor, Heyman noted.

Heyman predicts Soto’s contract could surpass $600 million and might even reach $700 million if it’s non-deferred.

The Yankees are expected to bring Soto back.

Heyman said the Yankees will make every effort to re-sign Soto, despite the Mets’ optimism that they will sign him in free agency.

According to Heyman, the Yankees and Boras will have their last meeting on November 18. The MLB insider claims that the Yankees are pushing hard to close a deal with Soto.

It is reported that Yankees baseball players are “gung ho” about finishing this. And after Soto’s largely successful season in the Bronx, MLB’s highest-earning team should have a good chance. Heyman writes, “The MLB owners’ meetings start in New York on Tuesday. Thus, the Yankees are likely to be among the final teams to meet with Soto, if not the final one. But whether that is a benefit of any kind is unknown.

In 2024, Soto played in 157 games for the Yankees, hitting.288 with 41 home runs and 109 RBIs. He hit.327 with four home runs and nine RBIs during the postseason.