Juan Soto made a distinct difference to the New York Yankees lineup in 2024.
Soto was acquired by the Yankees in a blockbuster trade with the Padres during the 2023-24 offseason with the hope he would help protect Aaron Judge in the lineup. The two outfielders formed a formidable duo, with Soto producing a .288/.419/.569 batting line and a career-best 41 homers in his 713 plate appearances. At just 26 years old, he is a four-time All-Star, a former batting champion and has displayed an ability to elevate his game in the postseason.
Given his track record, Soto is expected to command a significant salary in free agency. Mark Feinsand of MLB.com projected Soto to receive, at minimum, a 10-year, $500M contract. The Mets are reportedly set to make Soto the highest-paid player in MLB history, handing him over $700M.
The Yankees, meanwhile, have plenty of holes to fill. Both corner infield spots were a concern in 2024. Although Jazz Chisholm spent the majority of his time in pinstripes at third base, he is a better fit for the vacancy at second. Alex Verdugo is also a free agent leaving a pair of openings in the outfield. Top prospect Jasson Dominguez appears likely to take over one of those openings but another outfielder is needed. Three of the Yankees’ top four relievers are on the market. The Yankees also need more depth on the roster, something that was exposed during the season.
According to Eric Boland from Newsday, the Yankees have yet to discuss their payroll budget for 2025. Chris Kirschner of The Athletic reported in May that team chairman Hal Steinbrenner called the Yankees’ 2024 payroll of more than $300M “not sustainable long term.” As Soto seems destined to receive at least $50M per year, the Yankees would have to pay at least a combined $124M in salary to three players – Soto, Judge and pitcher Gerrit Cole.
That $500M would go a long way toward solving several of the Yankees’ problems. Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported that first baseman Pete Alonso is the Yankees’ Plan B should Soto leave. Third baseman Alex Bregman would fill the void on the other side of the infield and the Yankees have been linked to him in the past. Outfielder Harrison Bader had an impressive run during the postseason for the Yankees in 2022 and could be an option. Meanwhile, the Yankees could address the bullpen and possibly add another option for the rotation.
It’s impossible to replace a player such as Soto with any one player. However, the Yankees need more than one piece to return to the World Series. Allocating Soto’s potential annual salary to multiple pieces may be the right path.
