One MLB executive believes Juan Soto’s blockbuster move from the New York Yankees to the Mets on a 15-year, $765 million contract “could be a blessing in the end” for the Bronx Bombers.
Juan Soto’s departure could benefit the Yankees
“The Soto deal is insane,” the executive told ESPN’s Jorge Castillo. “It could be a blessing in the end. Fried is an ace. Bellinger might hit 30 home runs there and shores up their defense. Goldschmidt is a Hall of Famer. Added a bullpen arm. All in all, pretty good.”
Despite missing out on Soto, the Yankees had an active offseason, signing ace Max Fried and first baseman Paul Goldschmidt while acquiring outfielder Cody Bellinger and closer Devin Williams via trade. Their moves aimed to bolster both their pitching and defense after last season’s shortcomings.
“I think they’ve pretty much nailed everything they’ve done,” a scout told Castillo.
The Yankees made a serious push to retain Soto, offering a 16-year, $760 million deal. But when he chose Queens, New York shifted its focus to constructing a more balanced roster, addressing its defensive issues.
“You can’t replace a Juan Soto,” general manager Brian Cashman told ESPN. “So how do you cushion the blow and diversify that throughout the lineup? And then the defense was a real problem on our roster.
“We had a bad defensive team. We have an opportunity to upgrade the defense at the same time, which will improve our run prevention and our pitching. So, getting more athletic, getting more protection on the defensive front while still trying to provide good, strong balance on the offensive side was, ultimately, the simple framework.”
Goldschmidt, a four-time Gold Glove winner, provides an instant defensive upgrade at first base. While Bellinger isn’t the same fielder he was during his 2019 Gold Glove season, he remains a versatile option across the outfield and at first.
Meanwhile, Fried strengthens the rotation behind Gerrit Cole, giving the Yankees one of the best one-two punches in baseball. Williams, one of the top closers in the game, solidifies the bullpen. The Yankees’ offense will undoubtedly feel the absence of Soto, but their improved pitching and defense could offset that loss.
On paper, this is still a formidable team, built to contend for the American League crown. The Yankees open their season on March 27 against the Milwaukee Brewers.
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