Mohamed Magdy  

19 w

Yankees shift focus after Soto moves on

The Yankees made it clear that retaining Juan Soto was their top priority of the winter, a mission that sent managing general partner Hal Steinbrenner on a cross-country journey for a two-hour chat with the superstar outfielder and his agent, Scott Boras.

They were prepared to play in deeper financial waters than ever before, hoping to continue the relationship that helped take their club to its first World Series in 15 years. Yet as days turned into weeks, and with several clubs showing significant interest in Soto, the Yankees recognized that they could not be caught flat-footed.

Quietly, members of the front office began crafting a “Plan B.” It was a pivot they hoped never to need, and one that was set into motion late on Sunday, as Soto agreed to cross borough lines and accept a 15-year, $765 million contract with the Mets.

As the Yankees waited to hear if the 26-year-old Soto would extend his stay and keep his generational talents in the Bronx, they were busy exploring alternative options, including hosting virtual calls with free-agent pitchers Corbin Burnes and Max Fried.

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