MLB insider reveals Yankees' biggest threat to sign superstar free agent

The New York Yankees will have to open the checkbook if they want to re-sign superstar Juan Soto in free agency this offseason.

The 25-year-old phenom is enjoying an incredible campaign, proving just how valuable he is hitting in front of fellow superstar Aaron Judge.

The Yankees won't be without their competition for Soto's services this offseason. There's going to be a bidding war — potentially on a historic level.

While the Yankees are still viewed as the favorites to re-sign Soto, other teams with deep pockets will be in the mix.

But there's one team that is truly a threat to steal Soto away from The Bronx, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN .

"In Soto's case, the Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs and both Los Angeles teams could likely afford him but are long shots to make a real push. Seattle could use him but will be scared off by the money," Passan wrote. "At the end of the day, high-ranking front office and ownership-level sources believe the winter for Soto is going to play out like this: Yankees vs. Mets."

It's not much of a surprise, but Passan's report echoes what the latest rumors have stated as well. Steve Cohen is going to go hard after Soto, especially given how well the Mets have been playing over the last few months.

Passan also called Soto "the consummate Mets target" in free agency given Cohen's propensity for data.

Soto's floor for a contract begins at $500 million, and it's very likely to exceed that mark given the fact that he's coming off a career season.

Entering Tuesday, Soto is slashing .299/.429/.606/1.035 with 37 home runs, 95 RBI, 108 runs and 108 walks.

Winning a World Series is the best way to get Soto to return to The Bronx. If the Yankees fail to reach that goal, their crosstown rivals in Queens will be ready to swoop in.

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