All-in on Juan Soto could leave multiple holes in Yankees roster, fans argue online
- August 26, 2024
- 5:46 am
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Follow UsThe New York Yankees find themselves at a tantalizing crossroads, with superstar outfielder Juan Soto putting up MVP-caliber numbers in his walk year. But as fans debate the future of the franchise, a lingering question looms: Should the Yankees go all-in for Soto if it means limiting their ability to address other needs? With Aaron Judge and Soto forming a formidable duo at the heart of the lineup, it’s easy to see why many argue that locking up Soto long-term should be the priority.
However, as the discussion unfolds on Reddit and other platforms, the concerns about potential holes elsewhere in the roster are becoming harder to ignore.
Is Juan Soto worth the risk?
The allure of retaining Juan Soto is undeniable. After rejecting massive contract offers from the Washington Nationals, including a 13-year, $350 million offer in 2021 and a record-setting 15-year, $440 million proposal in 2022, Juan Soto was traded to the Padres and, before the 2024 season, found his way to the Bronx. The 25-year-old phenom has continued to impress, with a historic season in his walk year, currently boasting a 7.5 WAR with 37 home runs, 95 RBIs, a .299 average, and a league-leading .429 OBP. Despite these jaw-dropping stats, he remains only the second-best player on the Yankees, thanks to Aaron Judge’s historic campaign.
The Yankees lead the American League, yet their dominance feels precarious, heavily reliant on the performances of Juan Soto and Judge. Meanwhile, the rest of the roster has struggled to keep pace, making fans question the wisdom of tying up a significant portion of the budget in one player, no matter how talented.
On Reddit, opinions are split, with some fans arguing for an all-in approach. “I’m going to be completely honest, watching Soto and Judge back-to-back every day is infinitely more fun and exciting than whatever pooling that money elsewhere would get us,” commented user GSDFanatic. This sentiment echoes the excitement Soto has brought to the Bronx, adding swagger and confidence to a lineup that desperately needed it. Another user, DeadBabyFloat, added, “We go all in for the known quantity instead of spreading our attention thin looking at a bunch of question marks.”
Yet, the economic realities of baseball make this a complex decision. While some fans, like u/Goosedukee, simply say “Yes” to signing Juan Soto without hesitation, others point out the domino effect it could create. Locking up Soto would likely mean parting ways with key players like Gleyber Torres, Alex Verdugo, and closer Clay Holmes, all of whom are approaching free agency. At this point in the season, losing Alex Verdugo might not sting the Yankees as much, but Clay Holmes, despite his erratic performance this year, has managed to hold onto the closer role with some measure of success, even if he’s had his fair share of blown saves. The real wildcard here is Gleyber Torres. He’s been a question mark all season. Torres loves being a Yankee, but his year has been all over the place—benched, even pulled from a game for lack of hustle. Yet, ever since taking over the leadoff spot, he’s shown a spark of what he’s capable of, just as the Yankees are neck-and-neck in a tight division race with the Baltimore Orioles.
Juan Soto’s free agency conundrum
Soto’s free agency is expected to be a spectacle, with industry insiders projecting a contract exceeding $500 million over at least ten years. The Yankees will likely face stiff competition from teams like the New York Mets, who have a lot of money and are yet to make a big free agency splurge since the entry of Steve Cohen, and the San Francisco Giants, both of whom are also interested in the services of the generational talent. As Mark Feinsand of MLB.com notes, “Bryce Harper and Manny Machado were in similar situations after the 2018 season and each cashed in with free-agent deals worth at least $300 million. Juan Soto’s price tag should be significantly higher.” Many expect Juan Soto’s price to touch $500 million easily.
This looming financial commitment raises questions about the Yankees’ ability to address other areas of need. The Yankees are not a small-market team. However, even they must be mindful of balancing their roster, especially when aiming for sustainable success. The team has promising young prospects like Jasson Dominguez and Spencer Jones, who could fill outfield gaps if Verdugo were to depart, but the uncertainty around developing prospects versus proven talent adds another layer of complexity.
“Do the Dodger thing: pay him but with deferred money,” suggested Reddit user stalinwasballin, referencing the Los Angeles Dodgers’ strategy of offering large contracts with deferred payments to maintain flexibility. However, such strategies only work if the player agrees, and with Juan Soto represented by Scott Boras, known for pushing his clients to explore free agency to maximize earnings, there’s no guarantee that deferred payments will be an attractive option.
The discussion on Reddit highlights the divide among fans. While some see retaining Juan Soto as a no-brainer, even if it comes at the expense of other players, others worry about the long-term impact on team depth. User u/Yanks1813 sums it up: “Yes and I imagine the move for Jazz [Chisholm Jr.] is with the thinking that Soto is back. Controllable 2B that you can have at cheap to let Torres walk will save money. Holmes, Rizzo, Kahnle, Verdugo, Torres all not returning is around 51mil less money.”
Potential Holes and Long-term Strategy
Even with Soto, the Yankees have noticeable holes. Their pitching rotation, while formidable on paper with Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodon, and others, has shown vulnerabilities. Adding Soto at the expense of addressing these pitching needs could backfire. User jayc428 laid out a scenario in which the Yankees might choose to spend elsewhere: “Catcher: We’re good. Outfield: Sign Soto and you’re good. Put Dominguez in left and keep Grisham via arbitration for your fourth outfielder. Starting rotation: More or less it’s set… but do we need another arm?”
This highlights the delicate balancing act facing Yankees management. Should they lock in Juan Soto for the long haul, or should they prioritize spreading their resources to ensure a more well-rounded team? “At the end of the day, every business is about profit,” said user iamaweirdguy, suggesting that the Yankees, like any franchise, must weigh the financial implications of their decisions.
Others argue for a more aggressive approach, urging the Yankees to lean into their financial power. “Yes, build a powerhouse and other elite players will want to join,” commented user tells, indicating a belief that acquiring Soto could have a ripple effect, attracting more talent to New York. This “Yankees way” of thinking has historically been successful, but the current landscape of MLB requires more nuanced financial management, especially with other teams like the Mets willing to enter into a bidding war.
As the Yankees ponder their future, the decision on Juan Soto will likely define their offseason and possibly their success for years to come. The prospect of a Soto-Judge tandem leading the charge is tantalizing, but the sacrifices required to make that dream a reality could leave the team exposed elsewhere. With key players approaching free agency and potential holes to fill, the Yankees’ front office faces one of its most challenging decisions.
A lot boils down to Cashman, as the generational youngster rightfully pointed out after the Yanks sealed a massive series victory against the Colorado Rockies. Soto, Judge, and Giancarlo Stanton went back-to-back-to-back, with a small tinge of Gleyber too.
Next up, Juan Soto will travel to his first home in the big leagues – Nationals Park. The fans have made their voices heard, very literally too, at Yankee Stadium, as ‘resign Soto’ echoed through the bleachers at the Bronx. Will the Yankees do enough to bring Juan Soto back to the Bronx once this historic season comes to a (hopefully) successful end? What do you think? Leave your comment below!
Follow Us- Categories: alex verdugo, Clay Holmes, Free agency, Gleyber Torres, Juan Soto, New York Yankees
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