According to NJ Advance Media’s Bob Klapisch, via a person with knowledge, the Yankees were “encouraged” by their meeting on Nov. 18, though owner Hal Steinbrenner told reporters days later that he had “no idea” where the Yankees stand.

Juan Soto teased fans with a public announcement that had nothing to do with his free-agency decision. The All-Star outfielder, who has the Yankees, Mets and other heavyweights lined up to give him hundreds of millions of dollars,