Just a few weeks ago, the New York Yankees had the chance to either extend Gerrit Cole (and re-work his deal) or simply tack on one extra year for $36 million after the star right-hander exercised his opt out clause.

Steinbrenner previously called the Yankees’ 2024 payroll unsustainable, as they went above $300 million for the first time in franchise history. He reiterated that point on Wednesday, but noted that a lot of money has come off the pennant-winning team’s books thanks to a few in-house free agents.

The wooing of Juan Soto, easily the most coveted free agent on the market and one of the best ever to hit said market, is getting serious. You can make a case that the incumbent New York Yankees are the favorites to bring him back to the Bronx,