The New York Yankees are prioritizing re-signing Juan Soto this offseason, but the financial commitment to retain the superstar slugger could reach $600 million, potentially rivaling the record-breaking contract Shohei Ohtani signed. Soto, a five-time Silver Slugger, is expected to be one of the most sought-after free agents, and securing his services would significantly impact the Yankees’ payroll.
Despite the potential financial strain, recent expert predictions suggest the Yankees could still be in contention for the top pitcher on the free-agent market. Balancing Soto’s enormous contract with additional roster upgrades will require creative financial planning, but the Yankees appear determined to maintain a competitive edge for the 2024 season and beyond.
MLB.com’s Manny Randhawa has predicted that Corbin Burnes could be a prime target for the New York Yankees this offseason. Despite already having 2023 AL Cy Young Award winner Gerrit Cole under contract through 2028, the Yankees may look to bolster their rotation further, given their recent struggles with starting pitcher injuries. Cole missed significant time last season, while Carlos Rodón and Nestor Cortes combined for just 26 starts the year prior. Burnes, a former Cy Young winner himself, could provide much-needed depth and stability to the Yankees’ rotation.
However, the Yankees aren’t the only AL East team interested in Burnes. The Boston Red Sox, who are in dire need of a true ace, have also been linked to the Brewers’ star. As the offseason progresses, both teams may find themselves in a competitive bidding war for Burnes, one of the most coveted pitchers on the market.
Corbin Burnes is emerging as a top offseason target for the New York Yankees, with MLB.com’s Manny Randhawa highlighting his consistent excellence as a major draw. After posting a 2.92 ERA across 32 starts for the Baltimore Orioles in 2024, Burnes, a former Cy Young Award winner, is one of the most reliable pitchers available. His projected market value is approximately $200 million over seven years, averaging around $29 million annually, according to MLB Trade Rumors.
While re-signing Juan Soto remains the Yankees’ top priority, the team has reportedly been in touch with Burnes’ camp. Securing Burnes would bolster a rotation plagued by injuries in recent years and could serve as a significant consolation if Soto ends up signing elsewhere—particularly if bitter rivals like the Red Sox swoop in for Soto. If the Yankees were to lose out on both Soto and Burnes, it would be a stunning outcome in an offseason critical to their future competitiveness.
