Each day takes us deeper and deeper into Major League Baseball's offseason. Things certainly look to be heating up starting this week, with a number of key deadlines (including Rule 5 protections and contract tenders) forcing activity. Below, CBS Sports has compiled all of Tuesday's news, notes and moves.
stone burner, Yankees “Gung-ho” about Soto
Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner and an organizing team that included general manager Brian Cashman and manager Aaron Boone met with the free-agent outfielder Juan Soto on Monday afternoon to lure him back into the fold for the foreseeable future. Steinbrenner and Co. are reportedly excited about Soto. according to the New York Post.
Soto, 26, is the Top free agent available this winter thanks to his combination of youth and performance. In fact, only one other player in MLB history has amassed more Wins Above Replacement in his age-25 season than Soto did when he reached free agency in his mid-20s. This individual? Alex Rodriguez, who set a new record for the richest contract in league history by signing a 10-year contract worth $252 million Texas Rangers back in the 2000-01 offseason.
Exactly where Soto's bid will go is left to everyone's imagination, but it's fair to assume he'll be signed to a major contract by the start of spring training.
The Yankees are considered one of the favorites to sign Soto. They are also the fourth known team to meet and join Soto this winter Mets, Red SoxAnd Blue Jays. The Dodgersthe reigning World Series champions, are expected to do so hold your own meeting this week with him.
Phillies hope to meet Soto too
Speaking of Soto, the Post reports The Phillies are also hoping to meet with Soto. Philadelphia will free up some budget space next winter when the contracts of catcher JT Realmuto and outfielder/DH Kyle Schwarber expire. The Phillies have reliably fielded a top-five payroll since the start of the 2021 season, and it doesn't look like Dave Dombrowski and his team will stop pouring resources into a team that remains one of the best in the nation League counts.
Astros have money to spend
Astros owner Jim Crane told reporters that the club can spend up to last season's franchise record of $244 million in payroll if it chooses to do so this offseason. That leaves Houston with around $30 million in wiggle room, depending on the accuracy of public projections.
Crane added: “It just depends on what players are available. It's pretty obvious what our needs are. We want to try to build the best team possible without going crazy… We run it like a business and make good decisions.” according to The Athletic.
The Astros' biggest need appears to be third base, with franchise mainstay Alex Bregman hitting free agency for the first time in his career. However, Houston general manager Dana Brown has publicly expressed his desire to keep Bregman Crane said There is “nothing to report” about the discussions.