The final celebration of the 2024 baseball season was less than an hour old, an ocean of Dodger blue spilling from Yankee Stadium¡¯s diamond into the visitors' clubhouse and back again, and Juan Soto had already shifted into winter mode.

Spinning his cap backwards atop his head, the sport¡¯s most coveted free agent-to-be stood at the center of the Yankees' clubhouse -- possibly for the final time, perhaps not -- as he expressed gratitude for his time in pinstripes, and his excitement for what the weeks ahead might bring.

¡°This place was really special. It¡¯s been a blast for me,¡± Soto said that evening, as the clock ticked past midnight into Halloween. ¡°I¡¯ve been really happy. Definitely, if I¡¯m here or not, I¡¯ll be really happy for the teammates that I had and the people that I got to know. This was a really special group, but at the end of the day, we will see what¡¯s going to happen.¡±

That ¡°end of the day¡± Soto spoke about is fast approaching, with industry sources suggesting that the 26-year-old¡¯s decision may come during next week¡¯s Winter Meetings, if not sooner.

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The Yankees have firmly expressed their interest in retaining Soto, with MLB.com¡¯s Mark Feinsand reporting that they stand among the finalists for the generational talent¡¯s services. The Mets, Red Sox, Blue Jays and Dodgers are also thought to be contenders, and with Soto believing to prefer an East Coast destination, he already has multiple offers of at least $600 million in hand.

Could a $700 million proposal be on the table, and if so, would it come from the Yankees¡¯ Hal Steinbrenner, the Mets¡¯ Steve Cohen or one of the other ownership groups?

Speaking recently in New York, Steinbrenner said that he considers retaining Soto to be a priority, noting, ¡°I¡¯ve got ears. I know what¡¯s expected of me.¡± That¡¯s why he joined a contingent of club executives, who pressed flesh with Soto and Boras at a hotel near the agent¡¯s Newport Beach, Calif., headquarters last month.

Steinbrenner described it as a ¡°good meeting¡± that featured ¡°a very honest, back-and-forth dialogue¡± over a couple of hours, noting that they spent some time discussing the Yankees¡¯ player development system, a topic that Soto hadn¡¯t had much time to dig into over the course of his test-drive season in the Bronx.

That topic speaks to Soto¡¯s diligence; with all suitors, he is treating the free-agency process like his epic at-bat against the Guardians¡¯ Hunter Gaddis in the deciding game of the American League Championship Series, asking tough questions and fouling off answers. Like that night in Cleveland, Soto intends to get the financial fastball he craves -- and he¡¯ll deposit it over the wall, too.

As Boras said, ¡°We¡¯ve had meetings with a number of franchises. He¡¯s begun the process of eliminating teams and doing things. Juan is a very methodical thinker, so we¡¯ll see. ..."

Should Soto return to the Yankees, Steinbrenner promises that he will enjoy an open-door relationship with ownership, akin to the free-flowing lanes of communication that Steinbrenner has established with captain Aaron Judge and ace right-hander Gerrit Cole.

Like Judge, who said that he is giving Soto space to navigate the free-agency process, Steinbrenner kept his distance from Soto during the season.

¡°We didn¡¯t get to know each other that well,¡± Steinbrenner said of Soto. ¡°I was told that he is someone that when he¡¯s in the clubhouse, he is in a zone like no other. With players like that, I just don¡¯t like interrupting that process and pulling someone aside, dragging them into [manager Aaron] Boone¡¯s office and having conversations.

¡°But we did talk about that in California, and should he be back next year, I made it clear that the kind of relationship I would like is the kind of relationship I have with Gerrit and Aaron Judge. That message was conveyed.¡±

Yet the Yankees understand they cannot be caught flat-footed, and so a Plan B of sorts is underway -- there have been virtual meetings with free-agent pitchers Corbin Burnes and Max Fried, with the door left open for in-person tours of Yankee Stadium. Infielder Willy Adames is also a top target.

Steinbrenner acknowledged the Yanks¡¯ shopping cannot be concluded by inking Soto alone; they have needs in the infield, outfield, rotation and bullpen, and possess a certain amount of financial flexibility to play on both the trade and free-agent markets while intending to keep payroll at or below $301 million.

First, though, they need to know if Soto is part of their future. We should all find out soon.

¡°All I can tell you is, I do believe he enjoyed his time here,¡± Steinbrenner said. ¡°He¡¯s close with Aaron Judge, he¡¯s close with Aaron Boone. So we¡¯ll see, but in the end, he needs to do what¡¯s best for him and his family.¡±