Shortly after Juan Soto basically despatched the Yankees to the World Sequence with a go-ahead, three-run homer within the tenth inning of Recreation 5 of the ALCS, Jazz Chisholm Jr. put an astronomical price ticket on the approaching free agent.
“I think we should re-sign Soto!” the third baseman emphatically stated because the Yankees popped champagne of their clubhouse. “$700 million! That’s my number. Final offer.”
It turned out that the joking Chisholm’s greatest supply was off by $65 million. In the meantime, Hal Steinbrenner’s ultimate bid got here in $5 million quick after Soto agreed to a 15-year, $765 million take care of the Mets on Sunday night time.
The Yankees and Steinbrenner, who knew followers anticipated him to retain Soto, ended up at 16 years and $760 million, per the New York Submit’s Jon Heyman. The top end result: a Juan-year stand within the Bronx.
With Steve Cohen and their crosstown rivals profitable the primary main bidding struggle between the 2 house owners, Steinbrenner now has some huge cash to play with. He and Brian Cashman even have lots of holes to fill.
With Soto vacating proper discipline, Jasson Domínguez not assured something and Aaron Decide able to enjoying proper and middle, the Yankees have questions in any respect three outfield spots. The identical goes for second or third; Jazz Chisholm Jr. can play each and middle. First base is vast open, and Steinbrenner has additionally expressed curiosity in pitching upgrades.
So, who might fill a few of these positions? Right here’s a have a look at some remaining free brokers the Yankees can spend on as of Sunday night time, although exercise on the Winter Conferences is predicted to select up rapidly now that Soto’s sweepstakes are over.
Corbin Burnes and Max Fried
The Yankees have reportedly Zoomed with each pitchers, the highest starters in the marketplace. Burnes and Fried are anticipated to fetch offers over $200 million and would give the Yankees a respectable No. 2 behind Gerrit Cole. The left-handed Fried went 11-10 with a 3.25 ERA and 166 strikeouts over 29 begins and 174.1 innings for Atlanta whereas making his second All-Star staff final season. The proper-handed Burnes, who gained a Cy Younger with the Brewers, went 15-9 with a 2.92 ERA and 181 strikeouts over 32 begins and 194.1 innings in his first season with the Orioles.
Different starters nonetheless out there embrace Jack Flaherty, Sean Manaea, Nathan Eovaldi and Walker Buehler. The Yankees are additionally anticipated to pursue Japanese ace Roki Sasaki, who is predicted to be posted this week.
Christian Walker
Whereas Pete Alonso is the largest bat amongst free agent first basemen, Christian Walker gives constant energy and elite protection. The 34-year-old is barely a 12 months youthful than Anthony Rizzo, however the right-handed swinger totaled 95 homers, 281 RBI, a .250/.332/.481 slash line, a 123 OPS+ and three Gold Gloves over the past three years. Whereas a few of Walker’s floor numbers declined final season, his metrics improved from 2023.
Different free agent first base choices embrace Carlos Santana and Paul Goldschmidt.
Alex Bregman
Might the Yankees flip to a member of the Astros’ 2017 dishonest championship staff? Perhaps, in the event that they’re dying to maneuver Chisholm off of third base. With Willy Adames off the market, Bregman is the very best out there possibility on the scorching nook. He hit .260/.315/.453 with 26 homers and 75 RBI final 12 months.
The free agent marketplace for third basemen is skinny, with different prospects together with Yoán Moncada and Gio Urshela.
Anthony Santander and Teoscar Hernández
With Soto off the board, Santander and Hernández are the very best remaining outfielders in the marketplace. Neither are nice defenders – neither is Soto – however they pack a punch on the plate. Whereas not nearly as good of an all-around hitter as Soto, Santander hit 44 homers final season. Hernández crushed 33. Each had a wRC+ of 129 or higher.
Different free agent outfielders embrace Tommy Pham, Jurickson Profar, Harrison Bader and Alex Verdugo, although the final two have already had disappointing stints with the Yankees.
Tanner Scott
The Yankees have averted spending massive cash on relievers, as they’ve been capable of finding diamonds within the tough. Nonetheless, they’ve lots of earmarked cash to play with now, and Scott can be a superb set-up man/fallback nearer for Luke Weaver, who took over ninth inning duties on the finish of 2024. The left-handed Scott was distinctive for the Marlins and Padres final 12 months, recording a 1.75 ERA and 22 saves.
The Yankees, who’ve a number of holes of their bullpen, might additionally have a look at prime relievers Jeff Hoffman and Carlos Estévez. They’ve additionally expressed curiosity in re-signing Tim Hill and Tommy Kahnle.
Initially Revealed: December 9, 2024 at 9:29 AM EST
