Plan B: Post-Soto Era Is Looking Great So Far for the Yankees

Conclusion – Plan B Might Be the Better Plan

While Juan Soto's Mets tenure has begun slowly (.228/.355/.401), the Yankees' collective additions have provided more production and balance at a fraction of the cost. Fried is a legitimate Cy Young threat. Goldschmidt and Bellinger are thriving. Williams is rounding into form. And perhaps most importantly, only Fried is signed long-term, giving New York critical payroll flexibility. Soto is still a generational talent, but the Yankees may have built a more sustainable winner—without the $765 million price tag.

How the Yankees Rebounded After Losing Juan Soto

The New York Yankees entered the 2025 offseason with one goal: land Juan Soto. When the superstar outfielder chose the New York Mets and a record-setting $765 million deal, it looked like disaster in the Bronx. Instead, Brian Cashman and the Yankees front office executed one of the most impressive offseason pivots in recent memory. By spreading resources across multiple high-upside stars—Max Fried, Paul Goldschmidt, Cody Bellinger, and Devin Williams—the Yankees built a more balanced roster that has exceeded all expectations. Here’s how each key addition is delivering in the wake of Plan A falling apart.

Max Fried – The New Ace in the Bronx

• Contract: 8 years, $218 million

• Stats: 7-1, 1.92 ERA, 75.0 IP, 70 SO, 0.97 WHIP

After Gerrit Cole’s season-ending injury, Max Fried stepped up in dominant fashion. The lefty ace has anchored a top-10 rotation and is firmly in the Cy Young conversation. He’s showcasing elite pitch command, ground-ball efficiency, and poise under pressure—especially in a high-profile Subway Series showdown where he carved up the Mets. Though his deal was the richest ever for a lefty pitcher, Fried is proving he’s worth every penny.

Paul Goldschmidt – A Veteran Resurgence at First Base

• Contract: 1 year, $12.5 million

• Stats: .338/.394/.495, 6 HR, 152 wRC+

After a down 2024, Paul Goldschmidt’s one-year deal was a low-risk gamble—and it’s paying off. He’s not just producing; he’s leading. With elite contact rates and the lowest strikeout rate of his career, the 36-year-old is having a renaissance season. The Yankees badly needed an upgrade at first base, and Goldy’s professionalism, approach, and consistency have made him a model of stability in the heart of the lineup.

Cody Bellinger – Swing Tweaks Spark Yankee Surge

• Trade: Acquired for Cody Poteet

• May Stats: .302/.370/.531, 5 HR, 142 wRC+

It took time, but Cody Bellinger has found his groove in the Bronx. After a sluggish start, a tweak to a more open stance in May unlocked a torrid stretch, including a 15-game hitting streak and a grand slam to win the Subway Series rubber match. Bellinger’s Yankee legacy is growing fast, and his power from the left side—paired with the Yankee Stadium short porch—makes him a perfect fit.

Devin Williams – From Rough Start to Bullpen Beast

• Trade: Acquired for Nestor Cortes Jr. and Caleb Durbin

The early returns on Devin Williams weren’t pretty, but command issues have faded, and the devastating changeup is back. With a revitalized approach, he’s now forming a dominant late-inning duo with Luke Weaver. If his command holds, Williams could become one of the most feared relievers in baseball once again—another value win for the Yankees' revamped roster.

Conclusion – Plan B Might Be the Better Plan

While Juan Soto's Mets tenure has begun slowly (.228/.355/.401), the Yankees' collective additions have provided more production and balance at a fraction of the cost. Fried is a legitimate Cy Young threat. Goldschmidt and Bellinger are thriving. Williams is rounding into form. And perhaps most importantly, only Fried is signed long-term, giving New York critical payroll flexibility. Soto is still a generational talent, but the Yankees may have built a more sustainable winner—without the $765 million price tag.