JUST IN:Yankees’ Aggressive Backup Plan If Juan Soto Doesn’t Re-Sign Is ‘Floating Around…’
for the upcoming offseason, their pursuit of outfielder Juan Soto remains one of the most closely watched storylines. Soto, who has been a key player for the San Diego Padres, is set to become a free agent after the 2024 season, sparking speculation about his future. If the Padres fail to re-sign him, the Yankees are primed to make a major move to bolster their lineup, with an aggressive backup plan already in place.
Soto’s combination of elite hitting, on-base ability, and power makes him one of the most coveted players in Major League Baseball, and the Yankees As the New York Yankees prepareare well-positioned to be a top suitor for his services. However, with the market for the left-handed slugger expected to be fiercely competitive, the Yankees have been quietly preparing for the possibility that their primary target might slip through their fingers.
Sources inside the Yankees’ front office indicate that a “floating around” backup plan is in motion. While the team has not publicly revealed any specifics, this plan is believed to involve pursuing other high-profile players in case Soto’s price tag becomes too steep or if another team swoops in with a superior offer. Several names have surfaced as potential targets, including top-tier free agents and trade candidates.
One key area of focus for the Yankees is improving their offense, which has been inconsistent in recent seasons. If they miss out on Soto, the Yankees could shift their attention to alternative big bats in the outfield or infield, players capable of providing both power and run production. This could include trade discussions for players such as Cleveland Guardians star José Ramírez or a big-money pursuit of free-agent outfielders like Cody Bellinger, who is coming off a strong season with the Chicago Cubs.
In addition, the Yankees have reportedly been monitoring the potential availability of certain starting pitchers and relievers to shore up their rotation and bullpen, should the focus shift away from an outfield addition. With a deep farm system and considerable payroll flexibility, the Yankees are well-positioned to make a splash in multiple areas, no matter what happens with Soto.
The team has also emphasized its long-term plans to remain competitive in the AL East and beyond, and missing out on Soto would not derail their championship aspirations. Instead, it will only strengthen their resolve to find another game-changing player to complement their core, which includes stars like Aaron Judge and Gerrit Cole.
As the 2024 offseason unfolds, expect the Yankees to be at the center of a number of high-profile negotiations, whether or not Juan Soto ultimately becomes part of the equation.
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