The Yankees have checked out ace pitchers Max Fried, Corbin Burnes and Blake Snell in free agency, but it remains unclear whether they will also acquire Soto and ace pitcher.
The Yankees also have interest in Sean Manaea and plan to decline a $21.05 million qualifying offer from the Mets.
The Mets have expressed interest in retaining pitchers Manaea and Luis Severino, and have faced both pitchers. Severino also seems unlikely to accept a qualifying offer.
The Orioles, Red Sox, and Blue Jays are all set to at least acquire Fried. Boston is looking to strengthen its pitching capabilities and is without a left-handed pitcher, so acquiring Fried could make sense.
The Yankees have checked out Anthony Santander and Pete Alonso, but those are believed to be backup plans in case Soto bolts.
Santander has received interest from eight teams after a big season.
The Astros continue to negotiate with free agent Alex Bregman, and there is some hope there. The $151 million, six-year contract Matt Chapman received from the Giants appears to be the benchmark.
It is said that there is a large market for Yusei Kikuchi. The Astros may have a hard time keeping him.
Reds forward Nick Martinez is expected to accept a qualifying offer of $21.05 million.
Boston's Nick Pivetta is another player who has a chance. But he's said to have a great market – as do other great starters.
Buster Posey gave a thumbs up when asked if he liked his new job as Giants team president. He believes contract and team are the real factors as to whether he will be a big asset in acquiring a star player. “I don't think you'll get a huge discount for playing.”
Dodgers GM Brandon Gomez said he plans to discuss an extension with manager Dave Roberts in the final year of his four-year contract, which is said to pay him $4 million in 2025. Roberts averages 102 wins a year, but remains underrated.
Clayton Kershaw is expected to return to the Dodgers. LA is considering a qualifying offer for Walker Buehler and is in talks with him about a possible return.
Pitching is the main focus for the Cubs.
The Jays won't sell star SS Beau Bichette cheap.
Terry Francona is quite the coup for the Reds. He has lost 25 to 30 pounds and is said to be healthier after a year off. The only other interview they did was with interim Freddie Benavidez.
The Phillies are looking for a top reliever and a LF or CF outside hitter.
After losing 30 pounds, Noah Syndergaard is down to 235 pounds and working towards a comeback here in Texas.
