It had been less than an hour since the final celebration of the 2024 baseball season, an ocean of Dodger blue spilled from the Yankee Stadium diamond into the visitors’ clubhouse and back again, and Juan Soto had already entered winter mode.

The sport’s most sought-after free agent turned his cap backwards on his head and stood in the middle of the Yankees’ clubhouse – perhaps for the last time, perhaps not – and expressed his gratitude for his time in the pinstripe jersey as he expressed his anticipation of what was to come in the weeks ahead could bring.

“This place was really special. It was a lot of fun for me,” Soto said that night as the clock ticked past midnight and Halloween began. “I was really happy. Regardless of whether I’m here or not, I’ll be very happy for the teammates I’ve had and the people I’ve met. This was a really special group, but at the end of the day we’ll see what happens.”

The “end of the day” that Soto spoke of is getting closer and closer. Industry sources suggest the 26-year-old’s decision could come at next week’s winter meetings, if not sooner.

The Yankees have expressed clear interest in retaining Soto, with MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand reporting that they are among the finalists for the generational talent’s services. The Mets, Red Sox, Blue Jays and Dodgers are also considered suitors, and since Soto believes he would prefer an East Coast destination, he already has several offers worth at least $600 million.

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

Steinbrenner recently said in New York that he considers retaining Soto a priority, noting: “I have ears. I know what’s expected of me.” That’s why last month he joined a group of club managers who tested Soto and Boras at a hotel near the agent’s headquarters in Newport Beach, California.

Steinbrenner described it as a “good meeting” that included “a very honest, back-and-forth dialogue” over a few hours, noting that they spent some time discussing the Yankees’ player development system, a topic about which Soto had plenty of time to get into it over the course of his test driving season in the Bronx.

This theme is a testament to Soto’s diligence; For all suitors, he treats the free agency process like his epic battle against the Guardians’ Hunter Gaddis in the deciding game of the American League Championship Series, asking tough questions and mangling answers. Like that night in Cleveland, Soto wants to get the financial fastball he craves — and he’ll throw it over the wall, too.

As Boras said: “We had meetings with a number of franchises. He started eliminating teams and doing things. Juan is a very methodical thinker, so we’ll see. …”

Should Soto return to the Yankees, Steinbrenner promises he will enjoy an open relationship with the owners, similar to the free-flowing channels of communication Steinbrenner established with captain Aaron Judge and right-hander Gerrit Cole.

Like Judge, who said he was giving Soto room to find his way in 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’ve been told he’s someone who, when he’s in the clubhouse, he’s 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 talked about it in California, and should he be back next year, I made it clear that the kind of relationship I want is the kind of relationship I have with Gerrit and Aaron Judge. That message has been delivered.”

But the Yankees realize they can’t be caught off guard, 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 open for in-person viewings Yankee Stadium was left open. Infielder Willy Adames is also a top target.

Steinbrenner acknowledged that the Yanks’ purchase could not be completed by dealing with Soto alone; They have needs in the infield, outfield, rotation and bullpen and have a degree of financial flexibility to compete in both the trade and free agent markets while intending to keep payroll at or below $301 million -Dollars to hold.

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

“All I can tell you is that he enjoyed his time here,” Steinbrenner said. “He’s close to Aaron Judge, he’s close to Aaron Boone. We’ll see, but in the end he has to do what’s best for himself and his family.”