The New York Yankees have made it clear that retaining Juan Soto was their top priority, but after the superstar outfielder signed a 15-year, $765 million contract with the Mets, the team is shifting its focus. The Yankees were prepared to play in deeper financial waters to keep Soto, who helped take the club to its first World Series appearance in 15 years.
However, as days turned into weeks and other clubs showed interest in Soto, the Yankees realized they couldn’t be caught flat-footed. They began crafting a “Plan B,” exploring alternative options such as hosting virtual calls with free-agent pitchers Corbin Burnes and Max Fried.
The Yankees are now looking at a list of potential targets, including first basemen Pete Alonso or Christian Walker, outfielders Teoscar Hernández or Anthony Santander, closer Tanner Scott, and potentially trading for the Cubs’ Cody Bellinger. At minimum, they’re searching for a first baseman, another infielder, two outfielders, rotation help, and relief arms.
The Yankees faced competition from other teams, including the Red Sox, Blue Jays, and Dodgers, but their most significant threat was long believed to be Steve Cohen and the Mets. However, Yankees captain Aaron Judge said he would have no issue with the team exceeding his own contract to retain Soto, suggesting the Bombers could make a big splash.
Soto’s departure means the Yankees will miss out on having him alongside captain Aaron Judge at the top of their order. The slugger finished third in AL MVP voting behind Judge and Bobby Witt Jr., finishing the regular season with impressive stats.
Source: https://www.mlb.com/news/yankees-change-plans-after-juan-soto-goes-to-mets