Juan Soto signed the largest deal in sports history Sunday and left the Yankees behind. The Mets scooped the star up for the hefty price tag of $765 million for 15 years along with other incentives. The deal was shocking to many sports fans and resulted in the Yankees having to pivot their free agency plan. But, did the Yankees really need Soto?
Via CBS Sports
What You Lose
Soto's production is hard to replace. The Silver Slugger award winner held a .228 AVG with 41 HRs and 109 RBIs. The All-Star also played a key defensive role for the Yankees. What I feel you lose the most in Soto is the clutch gene he has. Theres no denying that Soto is clutch, and it showed many times in the 2024 postseason even though the Yankees fell short. But the price tag and the extra incentives on his contract were just too much to ask for. In my opinion, the Mets overpaid for him, and the Yankees might have avoided danger.
Via amNewYork
The Pivot
The Yankees now have money to spend and spend they have. On Tuesday the Yankees signed Max Fried on an 8-year deal worth $218 million. The boost the pitching staff that was solid but struggled due to injuries within the staff with Gerrit Cole and drop offs with Stroman and Cortez. Luis Gil was the true bright spot and you add a talented arm in Fried. The deal might seem long but its worth it to me, he's consistant and wants to be a Yankee. The only concern I have is with his past injuries, but, I believe this will work out for the team.
Via MLB.com
What's Next?
There are still large issues with this team and with most of the free agents still around and winter meetings taking place, now is the time to make some moves.
Pitching
Fried is a big addition but there is still more to be added in my opinion. Guys like Corbin Burns and Garrett Crochet are names being thrown around and with the Yankees looking to make moves why not one of these guys. I would lean more towards Crochet because you can trade for him, but it will be cheaper than what Burns contract would cost.
Target: Garrett Crochet
1st Base
Rizzo is no longer with the team, and this is the position I have the most concern about. Why, be concerned about first, well there is only one target, Christian Walker. Walker is older but is consistent year in and out and really is the only target I feel as if the Yankees have for this position. Unless you trade for someone or sign Pete Alonso. Walker seems to be the answer.
Target: Christian Walker
Via NY Post
3rd Base
3rd base is a spot that could use an upgrade and with Nolan Arenado on the market, why not? The defense is what jumps off the paper and for a position that the Yankees have struggled to fill in the past, get a guy like Arenado. He is solid and can be the cornerstone in the infield.
Target: Nolan Arenado
Outfield
Juan Soto is gone and you need to replace him. Verdugo was a solid pick up and Judge is staying, so, who could the Yankees look at? 3 guys come to mind, Teoscar Hernandez, Anthony Santander, and Cody Bellinger. Hernandez and Santander are both free agents and are likely to get major deals soon and out of both of these guys, Hernandez looks to be the guy the Yankees are going after. Bellinger is a guy you have to trade for but would be cheaper compared to the other 2. Either way, you can't go wrong.
Targets: Anthony Santander, Cody Bellinger
Via Bleed Cubbie Blue
Closing Thoughts
The Yankees seem to be calm and collected after the Soto deal and are looking to make more moves. There are still gaps in the lineup and in the bullpen but with lots of time reamaining I have confidence in what the Yankees will do.
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