Everything about this winter’s Major League Baseball free agency revolves around Juan Soto and where he will go. The New York Yankees will attempt to re-sign the left-handed slugger, who may want a $600 million contract. But if Soto lands with another team, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman has already developed a backup strategy.
Last December, New York acquired Soto from the San Diego Padres in the hopes that he would help them return to the postseason after missing it in 2023. Despite losing to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series, the Yankees advanced to the Fall Classic for the first time since 2009.
The 26-year-old was a driving force behind all New York accomplished in 2024. In 713 plate appearances, he hit.288/.419/.569. He also had 41 home runs, 109 RBI, and 128 runs scored. That performance continued into the playoffs, as indicated by a.327/.469/.633 triple slash in 14 games, including four home runs, nine RBI, and 12 runs scored.
Mark Feinsand of MLB.com hosted a Reddit AMA on Tuesday. He detailed the Yankees’ preferred offseason strategy, as well as a backup plan in case Soto decides to depart the Bronx.
“I, too, would expect Soto/(Christian) Walker/Reliever (Tanner Scott?) to be the Yankees’ Plan A. But if Soto signs somewhere, he will undoubtedly have more money to spend,” Feinsand added. “I could see the Yankees going after Walker/(Alex) Bregman/Scott and potentially a starting pitcher, because, as Brian Cashman always says, you can never have enough pitching. In any case, the Yankees will have an interesting offseason as they prepare to return to the World Series in 2025.”
While losing Soto would be difficult, getting Walker, Bregman, and Scott would address three critical needs on the Yankees’ 2025 roster. Walker would replace Anthony Rizzo at first base. Signing Bregman to play third base would allow Jazz Chisholm Jr. to switch to second base. Scott would solidify the late innings alongside Luke Weaver now that Clay Holmes is a free agent.
This would be a fraction of the cost, assuming the Yankees desire to re-sign Soto and fill other roster gaps with above-average players. MLB Trade Rumors predicts Bregman will get a $182 million contract, Walker will receive a $60 million guarantee, and Scott will receive $56 million. That leaves plenty of money to add to the pitching staff and replace Soto in right field if he signs elsewhere.
