Steinbrenner ‘got ears’ to hear Yankees’ challenges, yet no gurantee of change

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At the recent Owners Meetings in Midtown Manhattan, Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner outlined his plans for an offseason strategy centered on acquiring Juan Soto, likening it to the organization’s determined pursuit of Aaron Judge two years ago. While confirming Soto as a priority target, Steinbrenner acknowledged the pressure from fans and underscored the need for broader roster enhancements to achieve World Series success.

Steinbrenner noted that improvements could be achieved through either free agency or trades, emphasizing that all teams face similar challenges in bolstering their rosters. He stressed that the Yankees’ ambitions extend beyond Soto, with pitching depth identified as a critical focus area.

“I’ve got ears,” he told. “I know what’s expected of me. It’s been a priority. We do have other things to add, whether that’s via a free agent or whether that’s via a trade. We’ve got some things we need to improve upon. Every club does.”

“Pitching is always a priority,” Steinbrenner said, highlighting the need to evaluate both starting rotation and bullpen options. He described an ongoing analysis of available talent as part of a comprehensive effort to strengthen the roster.

“Speaking hypothetically, I don’t think you can ever have enough pitching,” the Yankees boss said. “We’re going to take a deep dive into the starting rotation, into the bullpen. We’ve been right in the middle of our free agent meetings, where we’re just going through every single player that’s out there. Then we start asking the hard questions and figure out how to improve.”

Despite the focus on upgrades, the Yankees’ current rotation already boasts significant depth. The staff features ace Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodon, and reigning American League Rookie of the Year Luis Gil. Additional stability comes from Clarke Schmidt, Nestor Cortes, and veteran Marcus Stroman, providing the team with six proven starters as they prepare for spring training.

This depth, Steinbrenner noted, offers the flexibility to explore targeted adjustments while maintaining a strong foundation heading into the 2025 season.

The Yankees’ surplus in pitching offers the organization flexibility as they navigate offseason decisions. They could use the extra depth to pursue trades aimed at addressing other areas of need or retain their stable of arms as insurance against injuries—a strategy that proved effective when Luis Gil emerged following Gerrit Cole’s unexpected elbow troubles last spring.

The bullpen, however, stands as a pressing concern. Key relievers like Clay Holmes, Tim Hill, Tommy Kahnle, and Jonathan Loaisiga are headed to free agency, leaving Luke Weaver as the only high-profile reliever under contract. The supporting cast includes Mark Leiter Jr., Ian Hamilton, and Jake Cousins, but additional reinforcements are critical.

To address bullpen needs, the Yankees could opt for a high-investment strategy, signing top-tier free agents. Alternatively, they might lean on trades, utilizing their prospect depth, or continue their recent success with reclamation projects—unearthing undervalued arms and revitalizing their careers.

Beyond pitching, the Yankees’ lineup requires further attention. First base remains a significant question mark after the team declined Anthony Rizzo’s option. While Ben Rice’s development and a potential Rizzo return offer internal solutions, adding a new first baseman with both offensive firepower and defensive stability could provide a stronger foundation.

Meanwhile, pursuing Juan Soto remains a top priority, but the Yankees recognize that roster improvements must extend beyond a single acquisition to reclaim championship form.

The Yankees are navigating several uncertainties as they assess their roster heading into the offseason, particularly in the infield. Much of the configuration hinges on Jazz Chisholm Jr.’s eventual position. With Gleyber Torres likely departing in free agency, the team must weigh its options. Among the possibilities are promoting internal prospects like Caleb Durbin, who was recently added to the 40-man roster, or seeking outside reinforcements. DJ LeMahieu, under contract for two more years at $15 million annually, remains the only established in-house alternative.

The outfield also poses questions. Jasson Dominguez is expected to take on an expanded role in 2025, but a corner outfield spot could open if negotiations with Juan Soto fall through, leaving the Yankees with a key vacancy to address.

Financially, owner Hal Steinbrenner indicated the organization is in a better position compared to last year. Cot’s Contracts estimates the Yankees’ projected 2025 payroll at $238.8 million, a figure that reflects recent salary cuts. While Steinbrenner has previously voiced reservations about maintaining a payroll above $300 million—a mark the Yankees exceeded in 2024—he has stated he remains open to any proposals from General Manager Brian Cashman and his team.

Steinbrenner also emphasized the Yankees’ financial flexibility to make significant moves if needed, signaling the team’s readiness to pursue major acquisitions as part of its strategy to remain competitive.

“We’ve got the ability to sign any player we want to sign,” the Yankees owner boasted.

However, skepticism lingers over Steinbrenner’s actions

The Yankees‘ leadership has presented a united front on the team’s fundamentals throughout the season, with owner Hal Steinbrenner echoing sentiments previously shared by General Manager Brian Cashman and manager Aaron Boone. Steinbrenner dismissed the notion that fundamental flaws were a recurring issue during the regular season, despite the team’s disappointing finish in the World Series.

Speaking at the Owners Meetings in Midtown, Steinbrenner addressed the Yankees’ performance against the Dodgers, particularly Game 5, where three defensive errors in the fifth inning proved costly. While acknowledging the lack of execution in critical moments, he credited the team’s overall sound fundamentals as a driving force behind their first pennant in 15 years. Ultimately, Steinbrenner attributed the series loss to the Dodgers’ superior play and ignored Yankees’ weakness.

“We did not play a clean World Series, I think we all know that,” the Yankees chief said. “But those fundamentals got us to the World Series. Our play, for the most part, was solid during the course of the year. That’s why we won a pennant for the first time in 15 years. But no doubt in the World Series, they just played better than us, period.”

Comments from Dodgers players after the series, including sidelined reliever Joe Kelly, suggested they had planned to exploit potential Yankees’ weaknesses. Kelly specifically mentioned their preparation for fielding miscues from New York’s infield as part of their game plan.

FanGraphs data paints a mixed picture of the Yankees’ fundamentals. While the team ranked as the league’s worst baserunning unit, their defensive metrics hovered around league average. However, their defensive performance in the World Series, particularly in Game 5, fell well short of that standard.

Despite the setback, the Yankees appear committed to their current direction. The team retained most of its coaching staff and exercised Boone’s option for 2025, signaling confidence in the existing leadership. Steinbrenner described the World Series errors as an isolated event rather than indicative of broader problems, though the sting of the loss remains a motivating factor for the organization moving forward.

Several key contract matters remain unresolved within the franchise. While the Yankees exercised manager Aaron Boone’s option for the 2025 season, they have yet to discuss an extension beyond that timeframe. Similarly, no adjustments have been made to ace Gerrit Cole’s contract, which is set to run through 2028, following a complex series of opt-out discussions.

Steinbrenner signaled an openness to future negotiations with both Boone and Cole. Regarding Boone’s status as a potential lame-duck manager, Steinbrenner acknowledged the possibility of a long-term deal but suggested that other offseason priorities, such as free agency, would take precedence. He noted upcoming discussions with General Manager Brian Cashman about Boone’s future but stressed there is no immediate urgency.

As for Cole, Steinbrenner described the recent opt-out negotiations as challenging due to their timing. The sequence saw Cole initially exercising his opt-out clause, the Yankees permitting him to explore free agency, and Cole ultimately reversing course and deciding to remain with the team. Steinbrenner attributed the complexity of those talks to the tight offseason calendar but expressed confidence in Cole’s ongoing commitment to the organization.

Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner shed light on the challenges surrounding recent contract discussions with ace Gerrit Cole, citing the tight two-day negotiation window as a key limitation. While the team opted not to extend Cole’s deal by a fifth year during this period, Steinbrenner left the door open for future talks with agent Scott Boras regarding the pitcher’s long-term contract.

On roster matters, Yankees leadership continues to maintain a strategic stance on their pursuit of Juan Soto, emphasizing a broader commitment to improving the team. While potentially eyeing investments that could approach $700 million, the club remains focused on addressing needs through free agency and trade opportunities.

Regarding international scouting, the Yankees have taken an initial interest in Japanese phenom Roki Sasaki, with early evaluations based on video analysis. Steinbrenner confirmed that while Sasaki’s skills are evident, the team has yet to engage in formal discussions about acquiring Japanese players via the posting system. Will he act or let him be snared by other teams?

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