The free-agent market is expected to revolve around Soto. First baseman Pete Alonso, also a Boras client, could become a middle-of-the-order option for the Yankees should Soto sign elsewhere. The Mets, of course, remain in contention to re-sign Alonso.

If the New York Yankees don't re-sign Juan Soto, general manager Brian Cashman could pivot to three players as part of his backup plan.

Boone will join owner Hal Steinbrenner as part of the Yankees' delegation pitching Soto on a much-longer tenure in the Bronx.