Yankees Reportedly Increase Their Bid in $600 Million Juan Soto Race

New York Yankees outfielder Juan Soto is anticipated to secure a contract exceeding $600 million this offseason. The list of final contenders for Soto includes the Yankees, New York Mets, Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Toronto Blue Jays.

However, the Dodgers are unlikely to stay in the mix after signing pitcher Blake Snell to a five-year, $182 million deal on Tuesday. The Mets and Yankees are viewed as the leading contenders, though the Red Sox and Blue Jays have recently ramped up their efforts to compete for Soto.

Jon Heyman of the New York Post has reported that the Yankees have increased their offer in an effort to bring Juan Soto back to the Bronx in 2025.

“The Yankees upgraded their initial bid within the past couple of days to superstar free agent outfielder Juan Soto, perhaps improving their position in a sweepstakes that involves at least five big-market teams, according to people familiar with the situation,” Heyman wrote. “The incumbent Yankees are making clear their resolve to try to retain their top target, but they also understand that the well-watched derby is only in the middle innings. The situation remains fluid, and any of four or more other interested teams still has a chance to win the prize of the winter.”

The pressure on the Yankees has intensified following the Dodgers’ signing of Blake Snell, further solidifying Los Angeles’ position as a powerhouse in the league—a gap the Yankees are well aware of.

In response, New York is expected to ramp up its pursuit of Juan Soto, even if it means exceeding their previous spending limits to secure the star outfielder’s contract.