Yankees’ bold backup plan to replace Soto revealed along with hefty price tag

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Juan Soto’s free agency is shaping MLB’s offseason narrative, with the Yankees firmly in the mix to retain the star outfielder following his stellar 2024 campaign in New York. Having met with Soto on Nov. 18, the Yankees are reportedly prioritizing a deal to keep him in pinstripes. However, if Soto opts for another team, the Yankees are prepared to shift gears toward a bold plan aimed at strengthening multiple areas of their roster.

Yankees’ offseason strategy: All-in on Juan Soto or a roster overhaul?

According to USA TODAY Sports, the Yankees’ alternative strategy would shift focus to addressing key weaknesses across the infield, outfield, and pitching staff. Their sights are reportedly set on acquiring impactful players, including a new third baseman, a power-hitting first baseman, and a reliable center fielder. Additionally, reinforcing the starting rotation with an ace-level pitcher is a top priority. Names like Christian Walker, Willy Adames, Alex Bregman, Cody Bellinger, Corbin Burnes, Max Fried, and Blake Snell have surfaced as potential targets, each bringing unique strengths to address the Yankees’ needs.

Executing such a plan would not come cheap. Contract projections for these players indicate significant financial outlays, potentially pushing the team’s payroll beyond Hal Steinbrenner’s stated $300 million comfort zone. While spreading resources across several positions might provide more roster balance and flexibility in future seasons, it would also demand aggressive spending in the short term. Comparatively, a deal for Soto would lock the team into a massive long-term commitment but ensure they retain one of baseball’s most elite hitters.

Projected costs of Plan B

Contract estimates from The Athletic highlight the potential financial commitments:

• Christian Walker: 2 years, $44M ($22M AAV)
• Willy Adames: 6 years, $150M ($25M AAV)
• Alex Bregman: 7 years, $189M ($27M AAV)
• Corbin Burnes: 7 years, $217M ($31M AAV)
• Max Fried: 5 years, $140M ($28M AAV)
• Blake Snell: 4 years, $110M ($27.5M AAV)
• Cody Bellinger: 1 year, $27.5M (player option for $25M in 2025)

These moves would likely push the Yankees’ payroll beyond Hal Steinbrenner’s stated $300 million threshold, yet the flexibility provided by shorter-term deals could appeal to the organization in the long run.

Juan Soto: The centerpiece or a missed opportunity?

Soto remains the Yankees’ top priority after delivering his best season yet in 2024, excelling in average, power, and run production. A projected 13-year, $611 million deal would make him a cornerstone player. However, a roster overhaul could spread investments across multiple positions, potentially creating a more balanced and deeper team.

Yet, the risks of passing on Juan Soto are clear. His elite bat and presence in the lineup are irreplaceable, and alternatives, while solid, don’t carry the same transformative potential.

Negotiations are expected to intensify, with initial offers reportedly going out this week. ESPN’s Buster Olney noted that 12 of 18 league executives polled predict Soto will remain in New York.

For the Yankees, retaining Juan Soto solidifies their outfield and anchors their lineup for years. But if Soto heads elsewhere, the aggressive pivot outlined by Brian Cashman and Steinbrenner could set a new course for 2025, filling roster gaps while managing long-term payroll flexibility.

Whether it’s Juan Soto at the helm or a retooled roster, the Yankees appear ready to make waves this winter. Their decisions over the coming weeks will shape not just their 2025 outlook but potentially their trajectory for years to come.

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