The Yankees are in the thick of the offseason free agency frenzy, with all eyes on Juan Soto, the player they’ve identified as their top priority. Meanwhile, other potential targets like Corbin Burnes remain in limbo as the organization waits for clarity on Soto’s future.
Despite ongoing discussions with Burnes and Max Fried, no formal offers have been made, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post. This reinforces the idea that they’re backup plans in case Soto doesn’t return to the Bronx.
Juan Soto sweepstakes heating up
The Yankees have reportedly sweetened their bid for Juan Soto, a move aimed at edging out fierce competition from big-market teams such as the Mets, Dodgers, Red Sox, and Blue Jays. Soto’s one-year tenure in the Bronx was nothing short of spectacular—41 home runs, a .989 OPS, and a third-place MVP finish. The team knows that losing him would be a significant setback.
Hal Steinbrenner personally met with Soto last week, a meeting described as highly productive by those familiar with the talks. The Yankees are willing to include opt-outs in their offer, signaling flexibility to secure the slugger’s long-term commitment. However, the competition remains fierce. The Mets, led by aggressive owner Steve Cohen, present a major threat, while the Red Sox and Blue Jays have reportedly impressed Soto with their pitches. The Dodgers, though seen as a wild card, remain in the mix, armed with a deep roster and financial firepower.
Corbin Burnes: Waiting in the wings
While Juan Soto remains the focus, the Yankees have quietly kept tabs on Burnes, a former Cy Young winner who could bolster their rotation. The lack of an official offer suggests Burnes is part of a contingency plan. The risk? Losing out on Burnes entirely if the Yankees wait too long to pivot.
Adding Burnes to a rotation that already features Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodon could be transformative. But for now, Burnes must wait as the Yankees focus on retaining Soto. Whether Burnes sees himself as a “Plan B” option is another story, and there’s a chance the hesitation could push him toward other suitors.
Beyond Juan Soto and Corbin Burnes: Other names in play
The Yankees aren’t just looking at Soto and Burnes. Milwaukee shortstop Willy Adames has been floated as a potential addition despite Anthony Volpe being entrenched at shortstop. Adames put up strong numbers in 2024, including a career-high 32 home runs, but his high strikeout rate and poor postseason track record raise questions.
Adames’ positional flexibility could appeal to a Yankees roster with glaring holes at first and second base, particularly if Anthony Rizzo and Gleyber Torres depart in free agency. However, the potential $189 million price tag for Adames may be steep, especially given the team’s focus on retaining Soto.
What’s next for the Yankees?
As the offseason unfolds, the Yankees’ strategy remains clear: Soto is the priority. But with several teams in the mix, it’s anything but a certainty that he stays in the Bronx. If Soto moves on, players like Burnes and Adames could become more realistic targets. For now, though, the Yankees are all in on keeping their star outfielder.
What do you think? Leave your comment below.
I don’t know when this post was originally submitted, but signing Burnes, after the ridiculous contract Snell got, the price for Burnes just got a lot more expensive, so that’s another reason to pause in trying to sign him.