The Mets on Friday signed infielder Donovan Walton, a 30-year-old who has played in 70 games over five big league seasons and will become a plus driver for camp and likely a utility man to watch with the Triple-A Syracuse.

With apologies to Walton, the stakes will change in MLB news this week.

Welcome to a big week of winter baseball, when the stoves heat up starting Monday night.

The Yankees should follow the Mets’ lead (SATURDAY), the Red Sox (THURSDAY) and the Blue Jays (Friday) like the teams known to meet Juan Soto and Scott Boras. A contingent consisting of at least Hal Steinbrenner, Brian Cashman and Aaron Boone will fly to Southern California and attempt to woo their competitors and persuade Soto to return to the Bronx for a very long time and, they hope, to convince him quickly. No one wants the draw to drag on for the next few months, especially teams who don’t know how much money they will have. left for other free agents.