The Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees have one of the most bitter rivalries in sports, and this winter both clubs could be involved in an epic bidding war.

Boston desperately needs a bonified ace this offseason. But landing a top free agent starting pitcher will require Red Sox owner John Henry to dig deep into his pockets, which he has been reluctant to do recently.

The Yankees’ top priority this winter is re-signing superstar Juan Soto, but that doesn’t mean they won’t try to shake up the starting pitching market. Could the Yankees outbid the Red Sox for a highly coveted hurler predicted 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 front-line starting pitcher to lead their rotation,” Passan continued. “There are plenty available. And if they pick wisely, the Red Sox have a chance to be scary sooner rather than later. The perfect transaction: Sign free-agent left-hander Blake Snell.”

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

Assuming the Yankees fail to re-sign Soto, which is a real possibility. If so, they will look to acquire Snell, Max Fried or Corbin Burnes, according to the New York Post’s Jon Heyman, who reported the news on Wednesday at 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, which equates to nearly $32 million annually, according to MLB Trade Rumors.

Things could get interesting this winter if Soto signs somewhere other than the Yankees. If a bidding war for Snell occurs between the Bronx and Boston this winter, it’s hard to imagine the Red Sox outbidding the richest team in baseball. Then again, they’re bitter rivals, so perhaps we could see Henry raise the capital necessary to reel in the talented southpaw.

More MLB: Red Sox Land Projected With $129 Million All-Star Hurler In Blockbuster Trade Proposal – Newsweek