Last Sunday, Juan Soto departed the Yankees for their crosstown rivals on a 15-Year $765 million deal, with escalation that gets the deal over $800 million. Though the Yankees had a bid way out of Hal Steinbrenner’s comfort zone, they have pivoted to Plan B, and they have an opportunity to “spread the wealth” some NYY higher-ups reportedly breathed a sigh of relief after Soto’s departure, much preferring acquiring multiple high profile players. Let’s go over what they’ve done already and what I expect them to do before Spring Training rolls around.
Fortifying Rotation
On Tuesday, the Yankees signed former Braves LHP Max Fried to a 8-Year $218 Million deal. The Yankees ink the highest deal ever for a left handed starter, and they sign a top of the arm rotation to go along with Gerrit Cole. Fried has the lowest ERA among qualified starters since 2020 (min 500 IP). He met with the Yankees during the winter meetings, and the Yankees were very competitive for him, reportedly beating out Boston for his services.
Trade for a Star closer
On Friday, the Yankees made a big and unexpected move. They acquired star Brewers closer Devin Williams, sending lefty starter Nestor Cortes and speedy infield prospect Caleb Durbin to Milwaukee. This was surprising considering many believed Durbin would be the Yankees opening day 2nd baseman, but it is clear now that will not be the case. The Yankees get one of the best relievers in baseball over the last few years, and the departure of Clay Holmes doesn’t look that bad now.
Acquire Bellinger
Now we enter the world of things that haven’t come to fruition, but that are very possible. I think the Yankees will end up acquiring Cody Bellinger in exchange for Will Warren or Marcus Stroman. at least that is my best guess at this point. Bellinger can provide above average offense and defense for you, though the Yankees will likely want the Cubs to eat some money on his contract, the fit here is pretty decent.
Sign Santander
There is a contingency with my willingness to sign Santander. And that’s if you’re putting him at first base. If you’re doing that, i’m fully on board with signing him. A 35+ homer bat at 1B hitting behind Judge is essentially what the Yankees were looking for and had in Anthony Rizzo before injuries plagued his 2023 and 2024 seasons. Santander is a switch hitter, and won’t require as long of a contract as some other players on this market will.
Sign Ha-Seong Kim
The Yankees have a hole at second base after Gleyber Torres went to free agency, and the Yankees will not be bringing him back. I think the Yankees should target Ha-Seong Kim, who provides gold-glove caliber defense as well as above average offense at 3 infield positions. Though he has some injury concerns, the Yankees should do it if they are okay with the medicals.
Lineup and Rotation:
2B Ha-Seong Kim
LF Cody Bellinger
RF Aaron Judge
1B Anthony Santander
DH Giancarlo Stanton
C Austin Wells
3B Jazz Chisholm Jr
SS Anthony Volpe
CF Jasson Dominguez
Rotation
RHP Gerrit Cole
LHP Max Fried
RHP Luis Gil
LHP Carlos Rodón
RHP Clarke Schmidt
BS Reports 
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