Juan Soto nonetheless looms massive over the New York Yankees offseason.
Soto turned down a reported 16-year, $760 million offer from the Yankees to play for the crosstown Mets. Shedding Soto added to what was already an intensive procuring record because the Yankees had quite a few holes to deal with.
Normal supervisor Brian Cashman didn’t waste time as soon as Soto made his determination. Beginning pitcher Max Fried agreed to an eight-year, $218 million contract final Tuesday. Beginning pitcher Nestor Cortes and infield prospect Caleb Durbin had been sent to Milwaukee for nearer Devin Williams. On Tuesday, the Yankees continued including to the roster, buying outfielder Cody Bellinger from the Cubs. Bob Nightengale from USA Today reported that Bellinger will return to middle, transferring Decide again to proper area.
These strikes might not have occurred if Soto signed with the Yankees. In Could, owner Hal Steinbrenner said that the Yankees’ payroll on the time was “not sustainable” for the franchise. Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News reported that whereas Steinbrenner reiterated that assertion final month, he did say the Yankees can signal any participant they need. Nonetheless, his statements seemingly point out that there’s a line the Yankees is not going to cross, and Soto might have pushed these limits.
Shedding Soto additionally arrange a domino impact. Including Fried gave the Yankees the pliability to incorporate Cortes within the commerce for Williams. Bellinger is due one other $52.5 million within the subsequent two years if he doesn’t decide out after the 2025 season; the Cubs are solely paying $5 million of that wage. The Yankees are nonetheless available in the market free of charge brokers resembling Pete Alonso and Christian Walker. They’re ready to construct a greater, deeper roster, and it could be attributable to Soto heading elsewhere.
