The New York Yankees have made their offseason priority clear: they’re focused on bringing back Juan Soto. After offering the superstar slugger a $21.05 million qualifying offer, the Yankees are hoping to secure the 26-year-old’s return for another World Series run.
However, Soto is expected to reject the qualifying offer in favor of a long-term contract, likely worth far more than the Yankees can match.
As one of the best on-base hitters of his generation, with four All-Star selections and four Silver Slugger Awards already, Soto is poised for a massive deal—ppotentially a 15-year, $622 million contract, according to *The Athletic’s* Jim Bowden.
If Soto’s price tag proves too high for the Yankees, they will turn their attention to other roster upgrades. In the event that Soto ends up with the New York Mets, ESPN’s Buster Olney suggested the Yankees might explore a blockbuster deal for an infielder.
Olney mentioned that if Soto signs with the Mets, Soto’s agent, Scott Boras, could try to push the Yankees to pursue Mets slugger Pete Alonso, potentially filling their power void. However, Olney notes that investing long-term in three right-handed power hitters—each on the decline—would create an imbalance for the Yankees.
Instead, Olney pointed to shortstop Willy Adames as a potential target. Adames, who posted a.251/.331/.462 slash line with 23 home runs and 21 stolen bases for the Milwaukee Brewers in 2024, could be a more affordable option. At 29, with a career .
972 fielding percentage at shortstop, Adames will likely command a competitive market this winter, with Bowden projecting a six-year, $150 million deal. If the Yankees pursue Adames, it could free up shortstop for Anthony Volpe to keep his everyday role.
Adames can also play second or third base, giving the Yankees flexibility and possibly allowing them to part ways with free agent Gleyber Torres.
While signing Adames wouldn’t have the same immediate impact as locking up Soto for the long haul, he would still be a valuable addition, offering strong defense, speed on the bases, and flexibility across the infield.
