The New York Yankees have already cranked up the hot stove, even with the sting of their World Series loss still lingering.
One offseason domino fell on Monday, as Yankees ace Gerrit Cole elected to stay in pinstripes after forfeiting his right to opt out of his $324 million contract. The next domino will involve the future of free agent slugger Juan Soto and whether he'll re-up with the Bronx Bombers after a hugely successful first season with the club in 2024.
Should the 26-year-old superstar slugger, and his super agent Scott Boras, choose to test the free agent market, it could open the door for another big-name acquisition like first baseman Pete Alonso.
First base is a clear hole for the Yankees after the team on Saturday declined its $17 million option to retain veteran Anthony Rizzo for 2025.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman confirmed that the front office has already had conversations with Boras, who also represents Alonso.
"Yeah, sure he did," Cashman said when asked whether Alonso's name was discussed with Boras.
"There are a lot of high-quality players in this marketplace, and certainly Pete did an amazing job with the Mets. So, I had a brief conversation with Scott about a lot of his - he has a lot of free agents, which is normal, and Pete's one of them, so yes."
Alonso, who turns 30 years old on Dec. 7, has racked up 226 home runs, 586 RBI and four All-Star selections in his first six seasons in the majors.
Spotrac sets his market value at $29 million per season, or the equivalent of a six-year, $174 million deal. The Athletic suggested the two-time Home Run Derby champ could be in for a seven-year, $189 million contract.
That pales in comparison to the potential $600-plus million contract that Soto is likely to command from either the Yankees, New York Mets or another big-market club like the Los Angeles Dodgers.
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