The New York Yankees have made re-signing superstar slugger Juan Soto their top offseason priority, but it will come with a hefty price tag. The five-time Silver Slugger is the most sought-after free agent and could command a deal comparable to Shohei Ohtani’s record-breaking $700 million contract. While Soto is expected to sign for closer to $600 million, his addition could significantly impact the Yankees’ payroll flexibility this winter.
Despite this potential financial constraint, MLB.com’s Manny Randhawa predicts the Yankees remain in a strong position to land top free-agent pitcher Corbin Burnes. “Corbin Burnes to the Yankees,” Randhawa wrote, speculating on free agents who could join division rivals this offseason. “Yes, the Yankees have 2023 AL Cy Young Award winner Gerrit Cole under contract through 2028, but given the injuries their rotation has suffered the past couple of years… they know more than most that you can never have enough starting pitching.”
With recent injury struggles among key starters like Carlos Rodón, Nestor Cortes, and even Gerrit Cole, Burnes’ addition would bolster the Yankees’ rotation depth as they aim to contend in 2024.
Corbin Burnes has also emerged as a potential target for the Boston Red Sox, who are in dire need of a true ace this offseason. MLB.com’s Manny Randhawa highlighted Burnes as the top free-agent starter still available. “Enter Burnes, who is the top remaining free-agent starter on the market and a former Cy Young Award winner himself,” Randhawa wrote.
Burnes, who posted a 2.92 ERA over 32 starts for the Orioles in 2024 after being traded from the Brewers, has consistently ranked among MLB’s most dependable pitchers. The 30-year-old right-hander is projected to command a deal worth approximately $200 million over seven years, or about $29 million annually, according to MLB Trade Rumors.
While Juan Soto remains the Yankees’ primary focus, reports indicate that the team has been in contact with Burnes’ representatives. Losing both Soto and Burnes to rivals—especially if the Red Sox were to land Soto—would be a major blow to the Yankees’ offseason ambitions. Given the fierce competition and the Yankees’ clear need for rotation depth, securing Burnes would be a crucial move, particularly if their pursuit of Soto doesn’t pan out.
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