How the Yankees Can Remain Contenders Without Juan Soto
SportsGrid Contributor Just Baseball
Host · Writer
Final Thoughts
While losing Juan Soto to the Mets stings, the Yankees have the resources to pivot and build a competitive team. By targeting smart free-agent signings and high-upside trade options, the Yankees can create a balanced roster that competes at the highest level.
For all your MLB deep dives, check out our friends at Just Baseball.
Yankee fans, does this blueprint ease the pain of missing out on Soto?
Juan Soto Signs with the Mets
Thanks to Just Baseball for research, analysis and insights for this slideshow article.
The saga is over: Juan Soto is now a New York Met, agreeing to a 15-year, $765 million contract. The deal includes a $75 million signing bonus and an opt-out clause after five years, with an additional clause allowing the Mets to retain him by increasing his salary to $55 million annually for the final 10 years, potentially raising the total value to $805 million.
As a Yankee fan, it’s a bitter pill to swallow, but it’s time to move forward. Soto’s departure leaves the Yankees with significant financial flexibility—money that must be spent wisely to retool the team.
The Plan to Rebuild Without Soto
"Recreate Him in the Aggregate" – Moneyball Mentality
While Soto played primarily in right field, Aaron Judge’s ability to play both right and center field provides flexibility in finding the best available outfield replacement. The Yankees can target free agents and trade options to build a competitive lineup without replicating Soto directly.
Top Free-Agent Outfield Targets - Anthony Santander (RF)
Santander is a power hitter with 105 home runs since 2022—more than Soto, Yordan Alvarez, and Mookie Betts. A switch-hitter with an above-average walk rate and low strikeout numbers, he’s a cost-effective option who could thrive in Yankee Stadium. Adding Santander would also weaken division rival Baltimore.
Top Free-Agent Outfield Targets - Teoscar Hernández (LF/RF)
Hernández offers power and a better on-base profile than Santander but comes with below-average defense. A strong contributor to the Dodgers’ 2024 World Series run, he hit 33 home runs and posted a 134 wRC+. If signed, Hernández would slot into right field, with Judge in center and Jasson Dominguez in left.
Big-Time Trade Ideas - Luis Robert (CF)
The White Sox’s dynamic outfielder offers elite power, speed, and defense when healthy. Despite injury concerns and a down 2024 season, his upside is tantalizing. A package including top prospects Spencer Jones and Chase Hampton could land Robert without sacrificing cornerstone players like Dominguez.
Big-Time Trade Ideas - Jake McCarthy (OF)
A versatile, speedy outfielder from Arizona, McCarthy isn’t a marquee name but offers excellent defense and base-running. He could serve as a valuable backup for Dominguez or a solid addition to the lineup if other trades fall through.
Big-Time Trade Ideas - Byron Buxton (CF)
Buxton’s combination of power, speed, and defense is unmatched when healthy. While injuries are a concern, acquiring Buxton would bring an elite skill set to the Yankees’ outfield. A trade package featuring Oswald Peraza and Everson Pereira could tempt the Twins.
Big-Time Trade Ideas - Adolis García (RF)
Though his 2024 season saw a dip in production, García remains a high-upside power hitter. He’s a buy-low candidate if the Rangers are willing to listen, and his addition would bolster the Yankees’ lineup.
Big-Time Trade Ideas - Christian Yelich (OF/DH)
An unlikely but intriguing option, Yelich could be acquired if the Brewers look to shed payroll. While health is a concern, his left-handed bat and speed would fit well in the Yankees’ lineup.
Supplementing the Core - Pete Alonso
Signing Pete Alonso to a seven-year, $175 million deal would create a dynamic power duo with Judge. Alonso’s consistent production and potential chip-on-his-shoulder mentality make him an ideal addition.
Supplementing the Core - Max Fried
Adding Max Fried on a seven-year, $200 million deal would solidify the rotation. His reliability and ability to generate ground balls make him a perfect complement to Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodon.
Supplementing the Core - Ha-Seong Kim
Kim’s elite defense, base running, and on-base skills would provide stability at second base. Signing him to a five-year, $60 million deal would also strengthen the team’s speed and versatility.
Supplementing the Core - Bullpen Moves
Yankees GM Brian Cashman has a strong track record of building bullpens. Look for him to acquire affordable, high-upside relievers through trades or free agency to strengthen the team’s late-game options.
Projected Yankees Lineup (Without Soto)
Lineup
- Ha-Seong Kim (2B)
- Jazz Chisholm (3B)
- Aaron Judge (RF)
- Pete Alonso (1B)
- Luis Robert (CF)
- Giancarlo Stanton (DH)
- Austin Wells (C)
- Jasson Dominguez (LF)
- Anthony Volpe (SS)
Rotation
- Gerrit Cole (RHP)
- Max Fried (LHP)
- Carlos Rodon (LHP)
- Luis Gil (RHP)
- Clarke Schmidt (RHP)
Lineup
- Ha-Seong Kim (2B)
- Jazz Chisholm (3B)
- Aaron Judge (RF)
- Pete Alonso (1B)
- Luis Robert (CF)
- Giancarlo Stanton (DH)
- Austin Wells (C)
- Jasson Dominguez (LF)
- Anthony Volpe (SS)
Rotation
- Gerrit Cole (RHP)
- Max Fried (LHP)
- Carlos Rodon (LHP)
- Luis Gil (RHP)
- Clarke Schmidt (RHP)
Final Thoughts
While losing Juan Soto to the Mets stings, the Yankees have the resources to pivot and build a competitive team. By targeting smart free-agent signings and high-upside trade options, the Yankees can create a balanced roster that competes at the highest level.
For all your MLB deep dives, check out our friends at Just Baseball.
Yankee fans, does this blueprint ease the pain of missing out on Soto?
Juan Soto Signs with the Mets
Thanks to Just Baseball for research, analysis and insights for this slideshow article.
The saga is over: Juan Soto is now a New York Met, agreeing to a 15-year, $765 million contract. The deal includes a $75 million signing bonus and an opt-out clause after five years, with an additional clause allowing the Mets to retain him by increasing his salary to $55 million annually for the final 10 years, potentially raising the total value to $805 million.
As a Yankee fan, it’s a bitter pill to swallow, but it’s time to move forward. Soto’s departure leaves the Yankees with significant financial flexibility—money that must be spent wisely to retool the team.
