According to an MLB insider, the New York Yankees are reportedly prepared with a comprehensive backup plan in case Juan Soto leaves during free agency.
If the Yankees miss out on signing Soto, they won’t be left without options.
Currently, the New York Mets, backed by billionaire owner Steve Cohen, are seen as the frontrunners to secure Soto’s services.
Should Soto sign a record-breaking long-term deal with the Mets, the Yankees would still have numerous avenues to strengthen their team.
MLB insider Bob Nightengale of USA TODAY Sports shared that the Yankees have a detailed strategy in place to enhance their roster if Soto departs.
“If the New York Yankees don’t re-sign Juan Soto, one back-up plan floating around is signing free-agent first baseman Christian Walker, sign either Willy Adames or Alex Bregman to play third, shift Jazz Chisholm to second base, trade for Cubs center fielder Cody Bellinger, and then use the extra money to sign Burnes, Fried or Snell,” wrote Nightengale.
This backup plan involves multiple moving pieces, but if Soto isn’t re-signed, the Yankees could redirect their resources towards several star players rather than just one.
Even if Soto stays, the Yankees still have gaps at first base, second base (depending on whether Chisholm remains at third), and in their pitching rotation. Soto is expected to land a contract worth over $600 million, and if the Yankees secure him, they would need to be strategic in filling other positions.
So, if Soto does indeed leave New York, signing Walker would provide the Yankees with a solid short-term solution at first base, as he’s a Gold Glove winner. Adding Bregman or Adames would give them a long-term superstar for their infield, although it would be expensive. Bellinger might be attainable for a relatively low asset cost, but he’s playing under a $27.5 million option for 2025 and has a $25 million player option for 2026.
On the pitching front, acquiring Corbin Burnes, Max Fried, or Blake Snell would give the Yankees a true co-ace alongside Gerrit Cole.
While Soto remains the Yankees’ primary target in free agency, they have several potential paths to ensure they remain World Series contenders even if he decides to leave.
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Former New York Yankees’ Top Prospect Joins NL Playoff Team on Minor League Deal
Not long ago, there was significant excitement surrounding the potential of this young pitcher in the New York Yankees’ farm system.
However, for the second time since leaving the Yankees’ organization, former top prospect Deivi Garcia is set to try to fulfill his potential with a new team.
As reported by ESPN baseball insider Jeff Passan, Garcia, a 25-year-old right-hander, has agreed to a minor-league contract with the Milwaukee Brewers. The deal also includes an invitation to big-league spring training, according to Adam McCalvy of MLB.com.
Garcia made his major league debut with the Yankees during the Covid-shortened 2020 season, making six starts, posting a 3-2 record, and a 3.98 ERA. He also made a brief appearance as an opener in Game 2 of the ALDS that year, throwing one inning in the postseason.
Over his time with the Yankees from 2020-2023, Garcia pitched 48.1 innings (eight starts, 10 appearances), recording a 4.84 ERA. He was claimed off waivers by the Chicago White Sox in August 2023.
Garcia made just 20 appearances for the struggling White Sox over the past two seasons, registering a 5.40 ERA. He began the 2024 season in Chicago’s bullpen but was designated for assignment after posting a poor 7.07 ERA in 14 relief appearances. He spent the remainder of 2024 with Triple-A Charlotte before opting for free agency this offseason.
Now, Garcia will join the Brewers as part of their efforts to revitalize young pitchers’ careers, a task the team has a reputation for excelling at.
There was once more hype around Garcia within the Yankees’ system compared to Luis Gil, who recently won the 2024 AL Rookie of the Year Award, announced on Monday.
Despite recent struggles, Garcia still has time to rediscover his form at just 25 years old and could reinvent himself in Milwaukee, potentially developing into a solid swing starter or bullpen option.
