Re-signing Juan Soto has emerged as the New York Yankees’ top priority this offseason. Following his pivotal contributions to the team’s World Series run, keeping the outfielder is seen as essential for their championship ambitions in the coming years.
However, MLB.com Yankees reporter Bryan Hoch has highlighted significant financial hurdles in this pursuit. Although the Yankees plan to extend a competitive offer, managing general partner Hal Steinbrenner has previously labeled the team’s 2024 payroll as unsustainable in the long run. Soto’s reported target of a $700 million contract could exceed what the Yankees are willing to spend, despite his apparent enjoyment of his time in New York.
Industry experts agree that Juan Soto‘s decision will largely depend on financial factors, with no signs he would consider a lower offer to stay with the Yankees. This raises the possibility that if the Yankees cannot meet other teams’ bids, he may choose to leave.
MLB Network recommends Soto substitutes for Yankees
The Yankees face a significant challenge in their efforts to retain Juan Soto, especially with multiple $300 million contracts already on the books and anticipated competition from wealthy rivals like the New York Mets.
Despite fans’ hopes of keeping the generational talent who helped lead them to the World Series in his first season—highlighted by a crucial home run in the American League Championship Series against Cleveland—Soto’s reported asking price of $700 million raises considerable uncertainty about his future with the team.
In light of this, MLB Network recently explored a scenario where the Yankees would need to adjust their roster if Soto signs elsewhere. Their analysis proposed several strategic acquisitions to effectively allocate available funds:
One suggested move includes bringing in Anthony Santander, who hit 44 home runs for Baltimore in 2024, to fill the outfield gap. This would allow for flexibility in the outfield, potentially moving Aaron Judge to right field and using either Jasson Dominguez or Trent Grisham in center field.
The scenario also envisions acquiring Christian Walker to play first base, despite some concerns about his age, emphasizing his dual contributions both offensively and defensively. Additionally, adding Ha-Seong Kim would bolster the middle infield at second base.
The proposed financial framework would still allow for the signing of elite left-handed reliever Tanner Scott, who posted an impressive 1.75 ERA last season. While this alternative strategy offers a comprehensive plan for roster improvement, the Yankees remain primarily focused on securing Soto’s services.
Steinbrenner may reassess his payroll stance, however, given Soto’s importance to the team’s success. Hoch noted that the Yankees could find financial flexibility by moving on from several players—Hill, Holmes, Kahnle, Loáisiga, Rizzo, Torres, Trivino, and Verdugo—who collectively account for over $50 million in payroll commitments for 2024.
This potential financial relief could allow the Yankees to structure a more competitive offer for Soto, although how the organization chooses to allocate these resources remains uncertain.
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