The New York Yankees are navigating a high-stakes offseason, balancing blockbuster pursuits and potential backup plans. While their primary focus remains securing superstar outfielder Juan Soto, the Yankees are also evaluating contingency options for their infield, particularly at third base. Recent developments have reshaped their approach, with former Milwaukee Brewers star Willy Adames slipping through their fingers and a familiar face, Thairo Estrada, emerging as a potential reunion candidate.
Soto at the center of Yankees’ offseason plans
The Yankees’ offseason strategy hinges on re-signing Juan Soto, one of the game’s premier hitters. At 26, Soto is positioned for a record-setting contract after dominating with his elite on-base skills and power. Securing Soto would solidify the Bombers’ outfield for years, but the potential financial commitment could limit their flexibility in other areas, particularly infield depth.
However, if Soto signs elsewhere, the Yankees will pivot toward bolstering their infield, with third base being the top priority. This strategic uncertainty has fueled speculation about several high-impact moves.
Willy Adames off the board
One of the Yankees’ backup options, Willy Adames, is no longer available. The former Brewers shortstop signed a seven-year, $182 million deal with the San Francisco Giants, taking a significant infield target off the market. According to Jeff Passan of ESPN, the Giants moved aggressively to secure Adames after his career-best season, featuring 32 home runs, 112 RBIs, and a .251/.331/.462 slash line.
The Yankees had reportedly considered shifting Adames to third base, where his defensive range and power bat could have filled a critical need. With Adames gone, the team must explore other high-profile options—or consider creative solutions if Soto’s deal consumes most of their budget.
Thairo Estrada: A potential reunion?
Enter Thairo Estrada, a former Yankee utility infielder currently with the San Francisco Giants. According to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, the Yankees are interested in bringing Estrada back to the Bronx as a cost-effective infield depth option.
Estrada, set to turn 29 in February, played two seasons with the Yankees from 2019-2020, appearing in 61 games while handling various roles across the infield and outfield. He was traded to the Giants in 2021 for cash considerations and has since evolved into a steady contributor, slashing .254/.303/.398 with 44 home runs and 180 RBIs over 408 games.
Although the Giants avoided arbitration with Estrada by signing him to a one-year, $4.7 million deal for 2024, the Yankees could explore a trade if the Giants decide to reshuffle their roster after landing Adames. Estrada’s versatility would provide the team with reliable infield insurance while preserving payroll flexibility.
Other likely big options
If Soto signs elsewhere, the Yankees could pursue bigger infield names. Alex Bregman, a consistent All-Star with a potent bat and elite defense, remains a long-shot free-agent target. Meanwhile, Nolan Arenado, one of the game’s premier third basemen, could be available via trade if the St. Louis Cardinals opt for a roster overhaul.
Both options would require significant trade capital or salary commitments, adding another layer of complexity to the Yankees’ offseason puzzle.
With the MLB Winter Meetings in full swing, the Yankees face mounting pressure to act quickly. They are likely exploring multiple scenarios simultaneously, balancing star pursuits with savvy roster additions. The outcome of the Soto sweepstakes will dictate whether they aim for high-profile acquisitions like Bregman or Arenado—or take a more conservative approach, possibly reigniting talks for Estrada.
As the Yankees look to regain their competitive edge, their offseason decisions will shape the future of the franchise. Will they land Soto and build around him, or pivot toward securing infield reinforcements? Either way, the clock is ticking in what promises to be one of the most pivotal offseasons in recent Yankees history.
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