The Red Sox and New York Yankees has launch a bidding war for the Cy Young winner

The Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees have one of sports’ most heated rivalries, and this winter, both teams might engage in an epic bidding battle.

Boston urgently needs to add a proven ace this offseason. However, acquiring a top free-agent starting pitcher will necessitate a deep dive into Red Sox owner John Henry’s pockets, which he has been hesitant to do previously.

The Yankees’ first objective this winter is to re-sign slugger Juan Soto, but they will also attempt to shake up the starting pitchers’ market. Could the Yankees outbid the Red Sox for a highly wanted pitcher expected to join Boston?

“Beyond Soto, what Boston really needs most is pitching,” ESPN’s Jeff Passan wrote Friday. “Even with Lucas Giolito expected to return from elbow surgery, they need a frontline starting pitcher to spearhead their rotation,” Passan continued. “There are plenty available. And if they choose wisely, the Red Sox have a chance to be scary sooner than later. The perfect transaction: Sign free-agent left-hander Blake Snell.”

Throughout his nine-year career, Snell has a 76-58 record, a 3.19 ERA, a 2.76-to-1 strikeout-to-walk ratio, a.210 batting average against, and a 1.22 WHIP. He has also played for the Tampa Bay Rays, San Diego Padres, and San Francisco Giants.

Suppose the Yankees fail to re-sign Soto, which is a genuine possibility. In that case, they’ll look to acquire Snell, Max Fried, or Corbin Burnes, according to New York Post’s Jon Heyman, who reported the news Wednesday on Bleacher Report’s Walk-Off. Landing Snell won’t come cheap. The two-time Cy Young recipient’s projected market value is roughly $160 million over a five-year deal, translating to nearly $32 million annually, according to MLB Trade Rumors.

Things may become interesting this winter if Soto joins anyplace other than the Yankees. If the Bronx and Boston engage in a bidding war for Snell this winter, the Red Sox are unlikely to outbid baseball’s wealthiest team. However, given their intense rivalry, Henry may be able to raise the requisite funds to entice the talented southpaw.