The New York Yankees’ primary goal is to re-sign Juan Soto to a massive contract potentially worth over $600 million. Once Soto is signed, the team plans to address other roster needs by targeting more affordable options, such as Walker Buehler and Christian Walker.
However, the Yankees’ backup plan, or “Plan B,” is less clear. If they fail to land Soto, it’s uncertain what steps owner Hal Steinbrenner and general manager Brian Cashman will take. While the exact strategy remains unpredictable, the Yankees would likely aim to acquire as much talent as possible, regardless of how well it fits into their existing roster.
According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Yankees have already begun discussions with several potential backup options, including star free-agent pitchers Corbin Burnes and Max Fried, as well as other top-tier players.
However, their primary focus remains on Soto, and they have not yet made offers to these pitchers, who could be contingency plans if Soto signs elsewhere, such as with the Mets, Dodgers, Red Sox, Blue Jays, or another unknown team.
Although the Yankees already have five or six MLB-caliber starters, their rotation lacks the dominant ace they desire, making the pursuit of starting pitching somewhat surprising. Plan B could involve bolstering not just the rotation, but also the infield, outfield, and bullpen.
The competition for Soto’s signature is expected to cause significant movement across the league. In addition to Burnes and Fried, the Yankees reportedly had a Zoom meeting with Blake Snell this week, another potential backup option. However, Snell ultimately signed a five-year, $182 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
