This winter’s Major League Baseball free agency is largely centered around Juan Soto and where he’ll end up. The New York Yankees are eager to re-sign the powerful left-handed hitter, who could secure a contract worth up to $600 million. However, if Soto chooses to sign with a different team, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman already has a backup strategy in place.
New York traded for Soto from the San Diego Padres last December, hoping he would help the team bounce back after missing the postseason in 2023. Although the Yankees lost to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series, it was their first appearance in the Fall Classic since 2009.
Soto played a pivotal role in New York’s success in 2024, hitting.288/.419/.569 with 41 home runs, 109 RBIs, and 128 runs scored in 713 plate appearances. His postseason production was also impressive, posting a.327/.469/.633 slash line with four homers, nine RBIs, and 12 runs in 14 games.
During a Reddit AMA on Tuesday, MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand discussed the Yankees’ potential offseason plans, including the backup options if Soto departs. “I would expect Soto/(Christian) Walker/Reliever (Tanner Scott?) to be Plan A for the Yankees,” Feinsand said.
“But if Soto signs elsewhere, that would free up money, and I could see the Yankees pursuing Walker/(Alex) Bregman/Scott, plus possibly adding a starting pitcher. As Brian Cashman often says, you can never have too much pitching.” Feinsand noted that, regardless of what happens with Soto, the Yankees’ offseason is set to be intriguing as they aim for a return to the World Series in 2025.
Juan Soto
While losing Soto would be a setback, adding Walker, Bregman, and Scott could address several key needs for the Yankees’ 2025 roster. Walker would replace Anthony Rizzo at first base, while Bregman would take over third base, allowing Jazz Chisholm Jr. to move to second.
Scott would strengthen the bullpen, particularly in the late innings, alongside Luke Weaver, with Clay Holmes set to become a free agent. This trio of acquisitions would come at a much lower cost compared to re-signing Soto, enabling the Yankees to improve other areas of the roster with quality players.
MLB Trade Rumors forecast Bregman to land a $182 million deal, Walker to secure $60 million, and Scott to receive $56 million, leaving the Yankees with ample funds to bolster their pitching staff and potentially find a replacement for Soto in right field if he moves on.
