This story was excerpted from Bryan Hoch’s Yankees Beat e-newsletter. To learn the complete e-newsletter, click on right here. And subscribe to get it usually in your inbox.
The suggestion of shedding Juan Soto in free company is uncomfortable, one which the Yankees would slightly not have to sort out, but wheels are already spinning behind the scenes in case the star outfielder indicators elsewhere.
With big-money bidding for Soto underway — together with a cross-country journey that included managing common companion Hal Steinbrenner — the Yankees patiently await a call that would come throughout the upcoming Winter Conferences, which start on Dec. 9 in Dallas.
They’re additionally getting ready to go in a unique course if crucial.
“There’s numerous completely different gamers on this market that may positively impression this roster in numerous methods,” common supervisor Brian Cashman stated just lately. “We shall be engaged on each side and alternative, and exploring any method attainable to place collectively the perfect staff we probably can for 2025. I wish to get again to the place we simply completed, which was the World Collection.”
So what might a Plan B appear like if Soto doesn’t re-sign? Let’s start with the financials. Though the Yankees’ provide to Soto is unknown, it’s a secure wager that the membership is ready to make him their highest-paid participant in common annual worth, surpassing Aaron Choose’s $40 million. (Choose stated that he’s OK with that concept, remarking, “It ain’t my cash.”)
Steinbrenner has expressed reluctance to surpass the posh tax threshold of $281 million, saying that it isn’t a sustainable technique in the long run, however the Yankees could have to take action once more. Even with roughly $86 million coming off the books in Soto, Anthony Rizzo, Gleyber Torres, Alex Verdugo and others, the staff’s payroll is presently projected to be greater than $224 million.
For this train, let’s pin the 2025 payroll at a pleasant spherical variety of $300 million — it may very well be slightly greater or decrease, however we’re within the ballpark. And since Soto now performs elsewhere on this “break in case of emergency” world, Cashman & Co. have about $75 million remaining to construct a roster. Let’s get to work.
With Soto not in pinstripes, the Yankees could transfer Choose again to proper subject, releasing them to pursue a middle fielder. They may additionally proceed with Choose in heart, although there may be higher methods, contemplating the damage and tear on their MVP. Verdugo can also be a free agent, so that they have to handle left subject, too.
Free brokers: Anthony Santander, Teoscar Hernández, Jurickson Profar. Though Hernández has lengthy been a Yankee killer, his defensive shortcomings make him a troublesome promote on a roster the place Giancarlo Stanton is an on a regular basis DH. The switch-hitting Santander will money in as soon as Soto makes his name, coming off an All-Star season through which he posted a 134 OPS+ for the Orioles. Profar has been on the Yanks’ radar for just a few years; they love his versatility.
Commerce prospects: Cody Bellinger (Cubs). There was buzz final winter about planting Bellinger’s left-handed stroke in Yankee Stadium, though that vanished after the Soto commerce. Bellinger will earn $27.5 million this coming yr, with a $25 million choice ($5 million buyout) for 2026. Analytics counsel that his energy would enhance within the Bronx, and his center-field protection is rated higher than Choose’s. He may also assist at first base.
In-house choices: Jasson Domínguez. “The Martian” couldn’t persuade the Yanks that he was prepared throughout a quick September audition, however New York nonetheless sees its prime prospect as a part of the answer. If Domínguez companies up his protection over the offseason, he might win a spot in left or heart.
The Bombers should restore energy at first base, a place from which they didn’t have a single homer after July 31 and posted the second-worst wRC+ (76) within the Majors.
Free brokers: Pete Alonso, Paul Goldschmidt, Carlos Santana, Christian Walker. There may very well be attraction in drawing Alonso throughout borough strains, particularly if Soto indicators with the Mets, however Alonso’s asking value figures to be sky excessive, so Walker can be a more cost effective choice. A 3-time Gold Glover, Walker barrels balls ceaselessly and has been an above-average hitter for 3 years operating with the D-backs (123 OPS+). Goldschmidt and Santana would offer veteran presence on short-term offers.
Commerce prospects: Bellinger. As talked about above, Bellinger is not any stranger to first base, having performed 343 of his 1,058 profession video games there (22 final season with the Cubs).
In-house choices: DJ LeMahieu. The Yanks don’t appear to be relying on LeMahieu, who produced only a 51 OPS+ in an injury-marred ’24 marketing campaign. He’s below contract by means of 2026.
SECOND BASEMAN/THIRD BASEMAN
Torres rescued his season with a robust end, however the Yanks haven’t proven a lot curiosity in retaining him. Jazz Chisholm Jr. could also be a extra pure match at second base, although that may create a gap at third.
Free brokers: Willy Adames, Alex Bregman. Adames is essentially the most coveted shortstop on this yr’s free-agent class, boasting middle-of-the-order thump and robust protection. The Yankees are unwilling to maneuver Anthony Volpe off shortstop, however Adames would reportedly think about a place swap for a contender. Bregman’s protection can also be wonderful, although taking part in 81 video games in Yankee Stadium received’t assist his offensive numbers, which aren’t prone to return to their 2019 ranges. (Oh, and there’s the entire Astros factor, too.)
Commerce prospects: Nolan Arenado (Cardinals). St. Louis is involved in dealing Arenado, who’s owed $59 million by means of 2027 ($10 million is being paid by the Rockies). Although his offensive numbers have dipped, the eight-time All-Star continues to be a dependable defender on the sizzling nook and will additionally assist at first base. Arenado has a no-trade clause and would want to approve a deal.
In-house choices: Chisholm figures into this combine by some means. If the Yanks wish to lean on youth, speedy infielder Caleb Durbin might get a glance coming off a terrific Arizona Fall League efficiency that earned him a 40-man roster spot.
The Yankees don’t want one other beginning pitcher, however they want to add one. Their rotation, as presently constructed, would function Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón, Luis Gil, Clarke Schmidt and Marcus Stroman. That’s a stable 5, however as Steinbrenner stated, “I don’t assume you’ll be able to ever have sufficient pitching, proper?”
Free brokers: Walker Buehler, Corbin Burnes, Jack Flaherty, Max Fried. As soon as Soto is signed, Burnes will turn out to be the league’s most coveted free agent. The Yanks have reportedly spoken with Burnes and Fried, although these plans appear to be in a holding sample pending Soto’s resolution. “Mutual curiosity” has been reported between the Yankees and Buehler, who showcased his upside within the World Collection, and Cashman tried for Flaherty on the Commerce Deadline. Blake Snell might have match right here, however the Dodgers took him off the board.
Commerce prospects: Garrett Crochet (White Sox). The Yanks don’t appear to have the prospect capital to land Crochet; they tried in July and have been rebuffed. On one other word — will the Yankees attempt to commerce Stroman? He was moved to the bullpen late within the season and didn’t pitch after Sept. 25. Stroman is owed $18.5 million in 2025 and has a vesting membership choice for $18 million in 2026 that kicks in if he tosses 140 innings. (He pitched 154 2/3 in 2024.)
With Holmes, Tim Hill, Tommy Kahnle, Jonathan Loáisiga and Tim Mayza all free brokers, the Yankees should deal with how they plan on getting the ball to the ninth inning. Luke Weaver was wonderful after being entrusted with the nearer’s duties, however he may be bumped again to a setup function. Cashman figures to actively search arms in trades, and don’t rule out reunions with a few of these arms (Hill and Loáisiga, particularly) for depth.
Free brokers: Carlos Estévez, Jeff Hoffman, Tanner Scott. The Yanks have solid a large internet within the reduction market. The hard-throwing Estévez posted a 2.45 ERA in 54 appearances for the Angels and Phillies final yr, whereas Hoffman logged a 2.17 ERA over 68 appearances as a dependable selection in that Philly ‘pen. Scott was on the Yanks’ want record on the Commerce Deadline, however he went as an alternative to the Padres. One of the best nearer accessible, he’s in line for giant cash.
