The New York Yankees pivoted quickly after losing Juan Soto, earning high marks for their offseason strategy despite the superstar’s departure.
The Yankees offered Soto a massive 16-year, $760 million deal, but the slugger ultimately chose the crosstown Mets’ 15-year, $765 million offer. It’s a significant loss after seeing how Soto transformed their lineup last season.
Despite missing out on Soto, the Yankees’ rapid response earned them an A- grade in CBS Sports’ offseason rankings.
It’s hard to lose Juan Soto and wind up on the honor roll, but the Yankees pulled it off. Chiefly, that’s because they landed the excellent and underrated Max Fried to slot in behind Gerrit Cole in the rotation. That’s not all, though. Cody Bellinger’s a great fit for Yankee Stadium, and he allows Aaron Judge to finally move off of center field. Bellinger also came at very modest cost in trade. Devin Williams, nabbed from the Brewers in trade, is perhaps the best closer in baseball when healthy. Paul Goldschmidt is in decline, but he’s likely to give the Yankees a solid upgrade over what Anthony Rizzo did last season as their first baseman. On top of all that, Fernado Cruz has elite strikeout stuff in a setup role. Yes, the Yankees would be better off if they still had Soto in the fold, but as Plan Bs go this one is an A (minus).
Cashman’s shift toward improving run prevention looks brilliant. Adding Fried and Williams gives the Yankees what might be the American League’s best pitching staff. They should be sharper defensively too.
Bellinger in center field immediately upgrades their outfield defense, especially with Judge moving to right field where he’s always excelled. The question isn’t really about Bellinger and Goldschmidt’s defensive improvements over last year’s roster – that’s clear. What remains to be seen is how much they’ll contribute offensively.
The offseason could’ve been perfect if they’d added competition at third base, but they’re clearly determined to stay under the $301 million luxury tax threshold.
The Yankees’ season will largely hinge on the production they get from the lineup surrounding Judge. It’ll be fascinating to see if this philosophical shift toward pitching and defense pays dividends in what looks like a wide-open American League race.
