What is Plan B? Options for the Yankees after missing on Soto
Yankees GM Brian Cashman (J. Conrad Williams, Jr./Newsday RM via Getty Images/File)
The Soto Sweepstakes have ended, and now the Yankees could focus on Plan B. Rumors were circulating for weeks saying this plan included names like SP Max Fried, SP Corbin Burnes, 1B Cody Bellinger, OF Teoscar Hernandez, and many more names. The Yankees have done their due diligence with these players but now have to make offers and official signings. Now is not the time to crawl into a cave and wait for chips to start falling. They also cannot repeat their mediocre 2013 offseason, when they failed to re-sign Robinson Cano and gave out massive contracts to OF Jacoby Ellsbury, C James McCann, and OF Carlos Beltran. None of those players finished their contracts and were either traded away or released. The only successful move from that offseason was the signing of Masahiro Tanaka. However, the Yankees must find a way to avoid repeating this. Teams have found ways to bounce back after losing a key piece of their team. The Nationals, ironically, did it in 2018-19 when losing OF Bryce Harper in free agency, then won the World Series with young superstar Juan Soto taking them over the hump. However, that team was fundamentally sound and solid in almost every position. The Yankees currently have many below-average players in starting positions. GM Brian Cashman was about $70M to work with and could make more space by trading players like SP Marcus Stroman or INF DJ LeMahieu.
1. SP Max Fried or SP Corbin Burnes: Both players have a similar market due to how highly sought after SP Max Fried has become. We all knew Burnes would be valued at $200M+, but Fried's market has now entered that territory. Although Burnes won't be in pinstripes and has Mets written all over him, he's a target. Whatever direction the Yankees go in, they'll have to tug a war with the Mets or Red Sox due to how involved both teams are with the free agents. The Yankees and Red Sox are the favorites for Fried, but the Yanks must come away with one of these premiere pitchers. (Realistic Prediction: Max Fried to NYY, 7 years for $200M)
2. SP Roki Sasaki: Sasaki was just posted to MLB teams and is expected to sign in January. If the Yankees miss on Fried and Burnes, Sasaki is no consolation prize. I prefer Sasaki due to his youth, but his favorite suitors are the Padres, Dodgers, and Mets. He won't cost millions like any other primetime free agent would. He maintained a 2.02 ERA in 4 seasons with the NBP (Nibbon Professional Baseball). (Realistic Prediction: Roki Sasaki to the Padres).
3. 1B Pete Alonso or 1B Christian Walker: These are the top first basemen available in free agency, and the Yankees should really try their hardest to sign Alonso. The Mets signing Soto was a gut punch, and the Yankees should retaliate against it. Signing Alonso would be a gut punch to the Mets because he's a massive part of that locker room and beloved by the fans. However, it seems as though the Yankees aren't very interested and would instead go after a 34-year-old first baseman…Christian Walker. He's not a bad player and would immediately improve this lineup. (Realistic Prediction: Christian Walker to the Yankees, 4 years for $78M)
4. OF Teoscar Hernandez, OF Anthony Santander, OF Jesse Winker, OF Jurickson Profar: These are not good options for the Yankees. I prefer Hernandez out of the bunch, but I'd like to see the Yankees maybe not spend too much in this spot and try to give young OF Spencer Jones a shot at left field.
5. RP Tanner Scott: The need for a closer is glaring. RP Luke Weaver is okay, but you need somebody who is a legit closer, and Scott brings that certainty to the Bronx.
6. 2B Gleyber Torres: He wants to return, and the Yankees should consider it. Although his defense is poor, he was a big part of our World Series run. Re-signing him is a good option if there is a better option. And it would be very affordable.
Trade Targets:
OF Mike Trout or OF Kyle Tucker: Yes, I know the rumor is Tucker, but Trout would be a splash. Finally, bringing Trout to New York would be incredible. He has no real future with the Angels besides collecting a massive paycheck, if he wants to win, he should find his way out. And the Angels should want to get out of the contract. However, Tucker is the talk of the town. He's an Astro, and I doubt they'll deal him in New York without demanding a massive return. He's a good player, but I'd hesitate, considering he's heading towards free agency next season, and some fans need to be more accurate with his value. (Prediction: They wait out until Tucker's 2025 free agency decision)
SS Carlos Correa: The Yankees needed to make this deal a few years back in free agency, and now they have a shot to rewrite their wrongs. Correa is a baller and could bring fire to the Bronx. The Twins are listening to offers, and the Yankees should offer a nice package. I understand the "Astros cheated" sentiment will always be there, but he's a great addition and could be the spark this roster needs.
OF/1B Cody Bellinger: This has been a rumor for years, and recently, it's been the worst-kept secret in baseball. I'm for it all the way, as long as it doesn't cost Jasson Dominguez. He'd be a great addition at both positions and is another lefty bat that the Yankees could use.
SP Garrett Crochet: This bidding war is going to spike too high for the Yankees. They may not have a good enough package to acquire, and it's likely for the best due to his high price. It feels like Boston is going all in for him, and they're the team to beat.
RP Devin Williams: Rumors began swirling Monday night, and I'd love to see this. Although he blew a save to send the Brewers to the NLDS, he's an elite reliever and likely the closer that the Yankees desperately need.
I can easily see the Yankees taking a passive route with the remainder of the offseason. I don't have much confidence in the front office to make the right decisions, which is sickening because time is running out. Judge's prime is slowly passing by, and Stanton isn't getting younger. They need to be aggressive and creative, two things the Yankees have needed help with in recent years. They need to attack this with the same aggression they had when attempting to re-sign Soto. It'll be a crucial next few weeks and months for the Bronx Bombers.
