Juan Soto has officially chosen his destiny and will be a member of the New York Mets for the next 15 years. The news came about yesterday as everybody anticipated where the generational slugger would go. It was reported that Soto had many teams on his radar, including the Yankees, Red Sox, Blue Jays, and Dodgers. Ultimately, Soto signed with the Mets for a record-breaking $765 million contract with an opt-out after year five, including a $75 million signing bonus.
Soto will join Starling Marte, Francisco Lindor, and Brandon Nimmo in a strong lineup for the Mets. The Bronx Bombers did their absolute best to match Steve Cohen’s offer, with Hal Steinbrenner reportedly going as high as $760 million for 16 years. It was not enough, however, as Soto chose to go next door to Queens. The New York Yankees must pivot and see who they can land to soften the blow of losing Juan Soto.
While the Yankees took a massive blow offensively, they can now pivot and look toward strengthening their pitching staff. Corbin Burnes’ name has been swirling around the rumor mill, and, likely, he will now become the Yankees’ number-one priority after the Soto deal has fallen through. Burnes’ 2024 saw him post an ERA of 2.92 with 181 strikeouts, a WHIP of 1.096, and a win-loss record of 16-9.
In the nine postseason appearances, Burnes posted a win-loss record of 1-2 with an ERA of 2.33 and 25 strikeouts. Burnes looks like a great pickup for the Yankees, where he can be a threat to other teams. He would likely start second behind veteran Gerrit Cole.
The Yankees have had their eyes on Max Fried over the last week. The lefty pitcher spent his seven-year career with the Atlanta Braves, where he posted an ERA of 3.07, a WHIP of 1.164, and 863 strikeouts. During the 2024 season, Fried had an ERA of 3.24, 166 strikeouts, 8.9 K/9, and a win-loss record of 11-10. While Fried is a decent regular-season pitcher, his postseason performances have fans worried.
Throughout his 20 postseason career appearances, Fried posted an ERA of 5.10, 1.49 WHIP, and a win-loss record of 2-5. Fried will join the likes of Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodon, Clarke Schmidt, and Luis Gil, who have just won the AL Rookie of the Year award. Fried will likely be the secondary option they could make if they lose out on the deal with Corbin Burnes.
While the Yankees may not be in the running for Roki Sasaki, it would be an interesting grab for them if they could bring him to the Bronx. Sasaki will be posted at the Winter Meetings, and there will be a 45-day window for him to sign with an MLB team. The Dodgers and Padres are the favorites to land Sasaki, but New York should do what they can to try and beef up their pitching staff as much as possible.
Sasaki has a career ERA of 2.10 and 1,543 strikeouts across 394.2 innings, with a primary concern for his health due to injuries. While an unlikely choice for Sasaki due to his idolization of Yu Darvish and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, New York will do their best to pursue Sasaki based on his talent and being a cheap value option for a starter.
Not only has Juan Soto headed over to Queens, but so has former Bronx Bomber closer Clay Holmes. Holmes recently signed a three-year $38 million deal with the Mets, who will now be converted into a starting pitcher. During his time in the Bronx, he posted an ERA of 2.69, 238 strikeouts, and a 1.301 WHIP. In 2024, Holmes led the league in blown saves with 13 and was moved out of the closer position and into a setup reliever option. With Holmes gone, the closer option is now open.
The Yankees can utilize Luke Weaver as the closer option, but they may have their eyes set on another elite-level closer on the West Coast. San Diego Padres’ Tanner Scott has been an option that the Boys in Pinstripes have been looking into who can be a top-caliber closer. Scott posted an ERA of 1.75 with 84 strikeouts in 72 innings pitched during his time with the Miami Marlins and Padres in 2024.
Scott was also a chosen reliever for the NL squad in the 2024 All-Star game. His 2024 outing could have New York interested in having him in the closer spot and replacing Weaver, thus putting Weaver as a reliable middle reliever pitcher.
The Bronx Bombers must find a way to replace Juan Soto’s bat, which will be impossible. Soto is a generational hitter whose contract can be justified based on his ability to put the ball in play in unprecedented ways. Replacing him is near-impossible, but the Yankees have the money to soften the blow of losing Soto.
With Verdugo unlikely to return in 2025, the left field is open for the taking, they are looking into Teoscar Hernandez to be that replacement. The recently crowned World Series champion may return with the Los Angeles Dodgers, but the Yankees are a strong competitor in grabbing Hernandez. With Soto gone and the outfield needing immediate repair, they may be all-in on getting Hernandez.
Hernandez had a strong 2024 season with 33 home runs, 99 RBIs, and 160 hits while slashing .272/.339/.501. While he is no Juan Soto, Hernandez is a strong contender to be a great left fielder with a strong bat and could go great batting behind Judge in the lineup.
With Aaron Judge likely to be put back at right field, the glaring issue will be center field, and the Yankees could be looking toward Chicago Cubs’ Cody Bellinger to fill that spot. Bellinger hit 18 home runs while slashing .266/.325/.426 with 137 hits and 78 RBIs. Bellinger is also a gold glove-caliber outfielder who can relieve Judge of playing center field after the World Series blunder.
Another plus of having Bellinger is his ability to move to the first baseman position if needed. Trading for Bellinger may mean New York must look into the farm again or trade away a few of their relievers to grab the center fielder.
With the first baseman spot empty, the Yankees may not be looking into bringing back Anthony Rizzo and may replace him with Arizona Diamondbacks’ first baseman Christian Walker. While his age is a factor, the Yankees are looking to get back into the postseason as soon as possible, as Judge and Cole are not getting any younger. Walker slashed .251/.335/.468 with 26 home runs, 120 hits. And 84 RBIs.
Walker is also a two-time Gold Glove winner and ranked fourth among first baseman in OPS (.804). Having Walker as the replacement for Anthony Rizzo will be a massive upgrade and can further beef up the starting lineup without the need for Juan Soto.
The Yankees no longer have Gleyber Torres within the infield but may look into their farm with Caleb Durbin as the second baseman replacement. Calling him up may run some risks due to his age and inexperience, but he is projected to be a great infielder who can put the ball in play and gain some experience throughout the season. Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Anthony Volpe will likely keep their infield spots at third base and shortstop, respectively.
The Bronx Bombers no longer have their generational superstar in Juan Soto, but that doesn’t mean they are out of it. They can return to the postseason and spread their money throughout many positions. Even if Soto had stayed in the Bronx, many would have been worried about the glaring issues the Yankees have within their infield, such as first and second base and the pitching staff.
With Soto off the market and $700 million the Yankees can spend, time will only tell if Hal Steinbrenner and Brian Cashman can spend it wisely and get them back into the World Series or have a repeat of signing aging players that cannot get them past the ALCS.
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