NEW YORK YANKEES
New York Yankees

Yankees eye plan B if Juan Soto moves on to rival team: What are their options?

Juan Soto signed a one-year deal with the Yankees after the 2023 season

New York Yankees' Juan Soto during the 2024 MLB World Series
New York Yankees' Juan Soto during the 2024 MLB World SeriesLAPRESSE

As the 2025 MLB season approaches, the New York Yankees are already preparing for a possible scenario they'd rather not face: the loss of Juan Soto to another team.

While the Yankees remain hopeful of re-g the star outfielder, they're also gearing up for Plan B in case their efforts fall short.

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Yankees' 2025 is taking shape

The Yankees' focus isn't just on the competition from their crosstown rivals, the Mets, but increasingly on the Boston Red Sox, who are making a strong push for Soto.

With the Winter Meetings set to begin on December 9 in Dallas, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman has made it clear that the team will explore all options to strengthen the roster in 2025.

If Soto ultimately signs elsewhere, the Yankees will have to adjust their strategy.

Financially, the team is likely prepared to offer Soto a contract that could exceed Aaron Judge's $40 million per year, but Hal Steinbrenner has expressed concerns about exceeding the luxury tax threshold.

Even without Soto, the team's payroll is projected to sur $224 million.

In of positioning, the Yankees may look at a scenario where Judge moves back to right field, which would allow them to pursue a center fielder.

They also face questions about left field, with Verdugo set to become a free agent.

On the free-agent market, players like Anthony Santander, Teoscar Hernández, and Jurickson Profar could all be potential targets.

Santander, fresh off an All-Star season, is likely to draw attention after Soto's decision.

Hernández, despite his offensive production, is considered a tough fit for the Yankees due to his defensive limitations.

Profar, known for his versatility, has long been on the Yankees' radar.

A trade for Cubs outfielder Cody Bellinger could also be in the cards.

Bellinger, who has thrived in center field and would likely see an uptick in power at Yankee Stadium, offers a potential solution both in the outfield and at first base.

With multiple avenues to explore, the Yankees are well-positioned to respond, no matter where Soto ends up.

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