The New York Yankees are aiming to re-sign Juan Soto, but if they are unable to do so, they plan to be active in the free-agent market to acquire an outfielder.
Soto is considered the top free agent, and Ryan Finkelstein of Just Baseball forecasts that he will sign a 15-year, $645 million contract with the New York Mets. As a result, Finkelstein predicts the Yankees will secure Teoscar Hernandez with a four-year, $85 million deal.
Finkelstein explained, “The prove-it deal was a chance for Hernandez to bet on himself and contend with the best team in baseball. It worked out in both respects, as he had an All-Star season and earned his first World Series ring. Now, at age 32, Hernandez is ready to cash in with a long-term contract. Since 2019, he’s been one of the few hitters to hit 25 or more home runs in each full season.”
His 158 home runs in that span rank 15th in MLB, Finkelstein noted, adding, “Many teams will be interested in Hernandez for his power, but the key to negotiations will likely be which team is willing to offer him the most years.”
If the Yankees miss out on Soto, signing Hernandez would be a solid alternative. His power would help mitigate Soto’s departure at a more affordable price.
In 2024, Hernandez hit .272 with 33 home runs and 99 RBIs for the Los Angeles Dodgers. He is a two-time All-Star and a three-time Silver Slugger winner.
The Yankees’ main focus this offseason is re-signing Soto.
The Yankees traded for Soto for a single season, but owner Hal Steinbrenner hopes to keep him in New York for the long term.
“Our fans really enjoyed having him in New York,” Steinbrenner said. “He was a big part of why we reached the World Series. I’m aware of what’s expected of me. It’s been a priority for us. We wouldn’t have gone to the West Coast if it wasn’t.”
Despite making Soto a top priority, Steinbrenner remains unsure about the Yankees’ chances of re-signing him. “No idea,” he said. “We’ll be in the mix. I’ll leave it at that.”
Soto had an impressive 2024 season with the Yankees, hitting .288 with 41 home runs and 109 RBIs.
Hernandez, meanwhile, expressed a desire to return to the Dodgers, with whom he signed a one-year deal last offseason. He became a fan favorite and had a productive season, and he hopes to stay in Los Angeles.
“My hopes are high,” Hernandez said about re-signing with the Dodgers. “The Dodgers are obviously my priority. I’ll do everything I can to come back. I want to be part of this team. I’ve made so many great memories here, and I’ve learned so much as a player and as a person. It feels great to be part of this organization.”
During the playoffs, Hernandez batted .250 with 3 home runs and 12 RBIs.
