DALLAS -- 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.

Both hurlers now could shift to the top of their wish list, along with the rest of a free-agent class that could include first basemen Pete Alonso or Christian Walker, outfielders Teoscar Hernández or Anthony Santander, closer Tanner Scott, or a potential trade for the Cubs’ Cody Bellinger.

At minimum, the Yanks’ shopping list includes a first baseman, another infielder (potentially a second baseman, unless Jazz Chisholm Jr. moves there), two outfielders, rotation help and relief arms.

The Yankees faced a crowded field for Soto, with the Red Sox, Blue Jays and Dodgers also thought to be involved, but their most significant threat was long believed to be Steve Cohen and the Mets.

Yankees captain Aaron Judge said that he would have no issue if the team exceeded his own contract to retain Soto, and the Bombers offered to more than double the financial total of the megadeal that kept Judge in pinstripes just two years ago.

The Yankees’ final offer to Soto, according to MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand, was $760 million over 16 years, a $47.5 million average annual value. The Mets’ contract carries a $51 million AAV, with a $75 million signing bonus and no deferrals, with an opt-out clause after the 2029 season.

Soto was acquired from the Padres during last year’s Winter Meetings in Nashville, Tenn., at which time the Yankees said they understood there was a possibility that Soto might only play one season in pinstripes.

Overtures were made from the front office to Soto in hopes of exploring an extension, including one in-person chat between Soto and Steinbrenner around the All-Star break, but Soto’s preference was to focus on action between the lines and handle business after the campaign.

It proved to be a memorable season for both Soto and the Yankees, including the slugger’s pennant-winning home run off the Guardians’ Hunter Gaddis in the deciding game of the American League Championship Series.

Soto finished third in the AL MVP voting behind Judge and Bobby Witt Jr. of the Royals, finishing the regular season with a slash line of .288/.419/.569 with an AL-best 128 runs scored, 31 doubles, 41 homers, 109 RBIs and 129 walks.

Had he agreed to stay, Soto and Judge could have continued to serve as one of the league’s most dynamic one-two punches near the top of the order. Instead, now fitted for orange and blue, he becomes the most high-profile star for a club that finished two wins shy of reaching the World Series.

The reception that Soto figures to get May 16-18 at Yankee Stadium, when his Mets will visit the Bronx for a three-game Subway Series, figures to be fascinating -- yet it will be even more compelling to see how the Yankees respond after missing out on their top target.

Source: mlb