There’s a real possibility Juan Soto will not be back in pinstripes.
Of course, everyone associated with the New York Yankees would love to see Soto become a historic member of the Bronx Bomber crew. Soto was the team’s best player this past offseason, and is widely considered a generational talent — the type that doesn’t come around all that often.
As has been chronicled in countless places across the media landscape, the New York Mets and owner Steve Cohen are very motivated to get over the hump and become a real World Series contender. Cohen’s pockets are deeper than practically anyone else’s. As such, Soto is purportedly the Mets’ No. 1 target this offseason. If the Yankees aren’t able to match a possible Mets offer or are not comfortable matching what the Mets could offer, there’s a reality where the team will have to improve without Soto. Having said that, with the money it’ll likely cost to re-sign Soto, the Yankees could instead pivot and bring in 3-4 players to improve said depth on the team.
As for a possible plan, here’s what we’re thinking:
Build Through the Corners of the Infield
Anthony Rizzo is unlikely to return. There’s a possibility you could see Jazz Chisholm move from the third base spot — either back to second base or perhaps somewhere in the outfield. The Yankees clearly need a more defensive-minded group across the board. Christian Walker fits this team like a proverbial glove.
The 33-year-old veteran has plenty of postseason experience. He’s had three-straight years with at least 26 HRs and 84 RBIs. Not only is he an improvement over Rizzo in all major batting categories, but Walker has also won three-straight Gold Glove Awards. The other player to target as an option at third would be Alex Bregman. Much like Walker, he’s got plenty of postseason experience (particularly in the American League). He’s a clear improvement over what the Yankees were running out at third base. With a short left field fence — coupled with the short porch in right — Bregman’s ability to spray the ball to all parts of the park should play well at Yankee Stadium.
Further Enhance Starting Pitching Depth
Even though the Yankees were framed as the team with deeper starting pitching in the World Series, we all saw how that played out. A team can never have enough of it, and as such the Yankees should double down and give Gerrit Cole more help. Carlos Rodon at this point is just far too inconsistent to be a true No. 2. However, a guy like Blake Snell would fit wonderfully well in this rotation. The same can be said for Max Fried. Some reports have also linked the Yankees to Jack Flaherty — the pitcher who helped beat them in Game 1 of the World Series.
Play The Kids
With Rizzo, Gleyber Torres, and Alex Verdugo likely not coming back, there will be spots opened up. Chisholm’s versatility enables the Yankees to keep him at third, move him to second, or even play him in the outfield. Much will be determined by the Soto sweepstakes.
In terms of young talent, it would behoove the Yankees to let Jasson Dominguez play every day. The team should still be competitive and good enough to withstand any sort of potential rookie slump. He’d add speed, energy, and youth to a lineup in desperate need of all three traits. The best prospect in this organization, Dominguez has a chance to be a difference-maker right away.
Another player drawing plenty of praise in the offseason is second baseman Caleb Durbin. The 24-year-old has a real shot to become the team’s everyday second baseman. Manager Aaron Boone in particular has been effusive in his praise of the player, calling him a “stud” and a “hard-nosed, tough player” during a recent media scrum.
