In the middle of a heated division race, one storyline looms large over the New York Yankees as winter approaches.
With phenom Juan Soto set to hit the free-agent market once the season ends, it's going to result in a historic bidding war.
It's rare for a player with Soto's talent, production, consistency and age to hit the market. But in a few months, every team in Major League Baseball will have the chance to bid for Soto's services.
While that typically doesn't concern the Yankees considering their deep pockets, MLB insider Mark Feinsand believes there are reasons to worry.
"Any time you’re potentially in a bidding war against Mets owner Steve Cohen, there’s a reason to be worried," Feinsand said. "Soto’s deal is likely going to be worth more than Ohtani’s -- at least in present-day value -- and nobody has more money than the Mets do. It isn’t Hal Steinbrenner’s way to get into a huge bidding war."
The projections have Soto's deal holding a floor of 10 years for $500 million. Soto could opt for more years and a bit less money or he could stick with the notion of being the first player in MLB history to reach the $50 million per year mark in present-day value.
The Yankees will certainly be in the mix for Soto, but the Mets are expected to go hard after the 25-year-old superstar.
Soto has done everything he possibly could to maximize his value on the open market this winter and while the Yankees are still the favorites to re-sign him, there's no guarantee Soto will be back in The Bronx.
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