Yankees’ Plan B If Soto Signs Elsewhere

If the New York Yankees miss out on signing superstar Juan Soto this offseason, they already have a backup plan in place. There are several potential targets for the Yankees to pursue as they look to recreate Soto’s production without the hefty price tag. While Soto remains the team’s top priority, here’s a look at […]

admin

Nov 25, 2024 - 16:30

0 0

If the New York Yankees miss out on signing superstar Juan Soto this offseason, they already have a backup plan in place. There are several potential targets for the Yankees to pursue as they look to recreate Soto’s production without the hefty price tag. While Soto remains the team’s top priority, here’s a look at the Yankees’ possible options for bolstering their roster if they fail to land the prized free agent.

Primary Focus: Re-Signing Soto

image_6744430792530 Yankees' Plan B If Soto Signs Elsewhere

The Yankees’ desire to retain Juan Soto is crystal clear. Soto, who became one of the most coveted free agents after his time with the San Diego Padres, began his initial meetings with potential suitors last week. The Yankees have been aggressively pursuing the slugger, but with teams like the New York Mets and Los Angeles Dodgers also showing interest, there’s no guarantee that Soto will end up in the Bronx.

Plan B: Key Free Agents

If Soto chooses another team, the Yankees can still retool their roster by targeting several big names in free agency. The team could sign Willy Adames to play third base, move Jazz Chisholm Jr. to center field, shift Aaron Judge to right field (in place of Soto), and pursue Christian Walker or Pete Alonso for first base. Additionally, the Yankees could bolster their pitching staff by adding Blake Snell to the rotation.

image_67444307bff05 Yankees' Plan B If Soto Signs Elsewhere

This combination of free agent signings would cost less than the projected salary for Soto but would still leave the Yankees with a payroll between $380 million and $445 million. This strategy could help the Yankees stay competitive while diversifying their offensive production.

Key Free Agent Targets

Willy Adames: The 29-year-old shortstop set career highs in hits (153), home runs (32), and RBI (112) in 2024. He’s one of the top shortstop options this offseason and is expected to sign a deal worth around $160 million.

Blake Snell: After opting out of his contract with the San Francisco Giants, Snell is coming off an impressive second-half performance and could add depth to the Yankees’ rotation. He’s projected to sign for $160 million over five years.

image_67444307d9d0a Yankees' Plan B If Soto Signs Elsewhere

Pete Alonso or Christian Walker: Both first basemen offer power, with Alonso hitting 34 home runs and Walker driving in 84 runs in 2024. Alonso’s expected five-year deal could be worth $125 million, while Walker is projected for a three-year contract worth $60 million.

Conclusion

While Juan Soto remains the Yankees’ top target, their potential Plan B is filled with strong alternatives. By pursuing free agents like Adames, Snell, Alonso, and Walker, the Yankees can bolster both their offense and pitching staff while still keeping payroll manageable. Whether or not they secure Soto, these moves would help them stay competitive in the American League.