ESPN: “Impressive” Pitches From Two Yankees AL East Rivals Against A $658 Million Superstar

The New York Yankees are expected to compete fiercely in conversations and bidding for the Juan Soto sweepstakes. A few of the league’s largest cities, such as the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets, are anticipated to give Soto substantial consideration. However, according to New York Post insider Jon Heyman, Soto and his management have already made a positive impression on the Boston Red Sox and Toronto Blue Jays, two American League East opponents.

Heyman posted on Twitter/X on Saturday, saying, “At least the owners of the Jays and Red Sox gave Juan Soto some impressive in-person presentations, but several team owners have not yet done so and will do so in the next few days.”

After the Yankees and Mets were thought to be the top teams for a long time, it may surprise some to learn that the Blue Jays and Red Sox are both seen as major competitors in the Soto sweepstakes. Teams must make special accommodations for Soto’s free agency since he is a unique talent. Although the Red Sox aren’t known for spending $650 million on a single free agent, they have never had the opportunity to sign Soto. And they won’t get another chance like that this winter.

Given their active performance in the Shohei Ohtani sweepstakes a year ago, it was anticipated that the Blue Jays will participate in the Soto sweepstakes. They will have $650 million on the table for Soto if they have $700 million for Ohtani. The Yankees and their supporters should be alarmed to learn that each of these encounters went well for Soto and the other teams. The return of their top outfield player to the Bronx will not be easy.