The New York Yankees have extended a qualifying offer to outfielder Juan Soto, a standard procedure for elite players entering free agency. This offer is a one-year contract valued at $21.05 million, as reported by ESPN’s Jeff Passan.
Juan Soto is among 13 players to receive such an offer this offseason.
The qualifying offer system allows teams to retain negotiating rights with their free agents or receive draft pick compensation if the player signs elsewhere. Players have until November 19 to accept or decline the offer.
Gleyber Torres, New York’s second baseman since his 2018 debut, did not receive a qualifying offer. Although he began the 2024 season with difficulties, Torres bounced back in the second half, posting a .293/.361/.419 slash line across 61 games. Reassigned to the leadoff role in mid-August, he played a key role alongside Soto and Aaron Judge. The Yankees likely opted against extending the $21.05 million offer due to potential luxury tax concerns, prioritizing payroll flexibility as they navigate a crucial offseason.
Yankees make key 40-man roster adjustments
In the wake of their recent World Series run, the Yankees’ 40-man roster has seen considerable turnover. Soto, Alex Verdugo, Anthony Rizzo, Torres, and bullpen staples Tim Hill, Clay Holmes, and Tommy Kahnle have exited, leaving notable vacancies. To preserve depth, New York added minor league contributors pitcher Yerry De Los Santos, catcher J.C. Escarra, and outfielder Taylor Trammell just before the free agency window opened.
Trammell, acquired from the Dodgers in April, briefly played five games for the Yankees and spent most of his season at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. De Los Santos, signed as a minor league free agent last November, recorded a 4.12 ERA over 51 games in Scranton, while Escarra, who divided his season between Double-A and Triple-A, led the Yankees’ minor league system in doubles.
As free agency begins, general manager Brian Cashman and the Yankees’ front office are preparing for the MLB General Managers Meetings in San Antonio, Texas, beginning Tuesday. Soto’s potential contract remains a focal point, with other key roster needs under evaluation. Second base and first base are areas of concern, especially given the Yankees’ last-place finish in OPS at first base in 2024.
With Verdugo’s departure, the Yankees will also assess their outfield configuration. Jasson Domínguez is being considered for an everyday left field role in 2025, but the team may seek additional outfield depth depending on his readiness and the outcome of Soto’s free agency.
Yankees explore starting rotation upgrades
In terms of pitching, the Yankees are expected to explore upgrades to their rotation. While Carlos Rodón showed flashes of improvement, his inconsistency could prompt the Yankees to pursue a reliable No. 2 starter, though luxury tax limits may influence this pursuit if Soto re-signs.
Other prominent Yankees free agents include Torres, Verdugo, Holmes, Kahnle, and relievers Jonathan Loaisiga and Hill. Rizzo, who has a $17 million club option, is likely to be bought out at $6 million. Yankees officials are reportedly considering bringing Hill back after his standout postseason showing, while Holmes, Kahnle, and Loáisiga’s roles remain uncertain.
Arbitration decisions and roster flexibility
New York also has decisions to make on arbitration-eligible players like Jon Berti, Tim Mayza, Nestor Cortes, Jose Trevino, Trent Grisham, JT Brubaker, Jazz Chisholm Jr., Mark Leiter Jr., Clarke Schmidt, and Scott Effross. The futures of Berti, Trevino, Grisham, and Mayza are uncertain, with factors like salary projections, injury history, and performance playing a role in roster decisions. Chisholm, Cortes, Leiter, and Schmidt are expected to return, while Effross may be reassigned to the minors.
The Yankees must also protect Rule 5 eligible players ahead of the upcoming draft. Infielder Caleb Durbin, who split time between Double-A and Triple-A, is a leading candidate for 40-man roster protection and could compete for the starting role at second base. Other Rule 5 eligible players include pitcher Zach Messinger and first baseman T.J. Rumfield, though their readiness for major league roles may affect their status.
What do you think? Leave your comment below.
Because of Grisham still being here and Dominguez here as well, the first question in the OF is: Does Judge play a corner OF spot in 2025, giving CF to Grisham or Dominguez? My next question about the
OF is: Did the Yankees make enough of a realistic offer to Soto, so that at least Soto is willing to negotiate with them further, or are the Yankees out of it already?