The rivalry between the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox may not be what it used to be on the field, but there's a major competition brewing between the historic rivals this offseason.
Both the Yankees and the Red Sox are among the five finalists vying for the services of 26-year-old superstar Juan Soto, and they've each made their initial offers after meeting with the star last week.
While the Yankees are still deemed the favorites to re-sign Soto, the Red Sox have emerged as a "serious threat" in the sweepstakes, according to Jon Heyman of The New York Post.
"For the Yankees, it is not just a regional rival but a blood rival that looms as a serious threat in the Juan Soto derby," Heyman wrote. "The Red Sox are increasingly seen as a legitimate contender in the sweepstakes for the generational slugger as word is they are stepping up efforts to lure the superstar hitter away from their historic AL East nemesis."
Heyman also reported the Red Sox are "attempting to sell Soto on his fit in Boston — a fit both at Fenway Park and within the history of the franchise."
Soto reportedly is eyeing a contract potentially worth up to $700 million in non-deferred money while most outlets believe he will get at least $600 million.
Coming off an 81-81 season in which they finished third in the division while missing the playoffs, the Red Sox are looking for another power bat in the lineup to protect Rafael Devers.
With slugger Tyler O'Neill hitting free agency coming off a 31-home run season, it's no guarantee he will return to Boston.
Soto is coming off arguably the best season of his career where he launched 41 home runs and 109 RBI while slashing .288/.419/.569 hitting in front of Aaron Judge.
The Toronto Blue Jays, New York Mets and Los Angeles Dodgers are the three other finalists in the running for Soto.
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