The New York Yankees and especially Hal Steinbrenner are in the spotlight. The reason? Juan Soto, who was one of the major names behind the Yankees acing in the postseason this time and making it to the World Series after 2009! While Soto’s rapport with the team has been stellar, that doesn’t guarantee he is going to stay put; one thing we know for sure—money talks! For Soto, getting into a winning team and a team that pays him well is the main prerogative.

But now, the problem is that both the top teams are ready to pay him a huge amount, which also stands at a whopping $600 million right now. And if sources are to be believed, it is going to go well above that. As such, all eyes, especially of fans, are on Hal and his power to get the job done. MLB analyst Steve Phillips has made it clear on the MLB Network Radio—if the Yankees lose Soto to the New York Mets, Steinbrenner’s reputation in New York may be at stake!

Hal Steinbrenner faces a tough call

Former baseball executive Steve Phillips didn’t mean a slap on the wrist, but we are talking full-on media and fan blitz. Phillips didn’t mince words and said, “I think Hal Steinbrenner is going to get just destroyed in New York if he doesn’t beat Steve Cohen in this. People are not acknowledging the significance of what this means to New York right now.” It’s no secret that the Yankees have long been the MLB’s financial juggernaut, but the times are changing. Now, Mets’ Steve Cohen is ready to throw in their wallet, and that’s reshaping the market.

But here is the thing—it’s just not about a single player but also about who rules the New York baseball scene. And given that the Mets and Steve Cohen are chasing after the top players, that puts more pressure on Steinbrenner. “It’s a horrible position for him to be in, like I feel badly for him, and if they don’t get him (Soto), Hal will get blitzed in New York,” mentioned Phillips, also noting if things go haywire with Juan Soto, fans and critics won’t be blaming GM Brian Cashman—they will be looking straight at Hal Steinbrenner.

Yankees raise the stakes for Juan Soto’s sweepstakes

Hal Steinbrenner is serious about Juan Soto; the last time he openly wanted a free agent was with Aaron Judge, and the same trend is visible this time between him and Soto. Plus, Steinbrenner was present at the meeting in California to talk it out with Soto, so he is feeling the pressure right now, and as such, the New York Yankees have upped up their offer for the 26-year-old!

Jon Heyman from The New York Post reported, “The Yankees upgraded their initial bid within the past couple of days to superstar free agent outfielder Juan Soto, perhaps improving their position in a free agent sweepstakes.” Given that more than four teams are seriously vying for Soto, it makes sense. However, the exact details of the numbers are still under wraps. This move can also be seen as an attempt to recover from losing out on Blake Snell.

Snell just signed a major deal with the Dodgers for a whopping $182 million. With just two weeks left before the winter meetings in Dallas, the Yankee’s aggressive approach speaks a thousand words—they want to be ahead in the race and outbid Steve Cohen. What do you think; will their bid be enough for Soto to make his way back to the pinstripes? Let us know in the comments.