MLB · 1 year ago

Yankees Win Big? Analyzing New York’s Best 5 Offseason Additions

Sammy Jacobs

Host · Writer

5. Caleb Ferguson, Pitcher via Trade
An unceremonious trade with the Los Angeles Dodgers gives the Yankees some pitching depth, as Caleb Ferguson can be used out of the bullpen in high-leverage situations, as a long man, or as a spot starter. The lefty went 7-4 in 2023 in seven starts and had a 3.43 ERA over 60.1 innings. Ferguson also saved three games and had 17 holds. The move didn't move the needle when it was announced, but Yankee fans will know who Ferguson is by the end of the year.
1. Juan Soto, Outfield via Trade
Juan Soto was the centerpiece of the Yankees’ offseason moves. New York needed a power lefty bat and outfield depth. Soto provides both. While they gave up pitching depth, this move deepens the lineup and should allow the Yankees to play a left fielder who can catch the baseball when it's hit at them. Last season with the San Diego Padres, Soto had an OPS of .930, hit 35 home runs, and drove in 109 runs while playing in 162 games.
2. Marcus Stroman, Pitcher via Free Agency
Marcus Stroman was an under-the-radar signing for the Yankees. The Yankees needed pitching, and the two-year deal did not break the bank. Stroman is excellent when he is on and is looking to have a bounce-back year in terms of innings pitched. Over the last two seasons with the Cubs, Stroman has not eclipsed the 140-inning mark. If he can duplicate his 2021 numbers with the Mets, the Yankees got a steal and a top-of-the-rotation pitcher to go behind Gerrit Cole.
3. Alex Verdugo, Outfielder via Trade
The Yankees needed lefty-hitting outfield depth. Alex Verdugo can fill a platoon role with Trent Grisham. Verdugo will likely play left field, with Soto moving to right field and Judge in center on days when the Yanks are facing a righty on the mound. Verdugo hit .264 with 13 home runs for the Red Sox last year.
4. Trent Grisham, Outfield via Trade
Trent Grishman was the second player sent to the Yankees in the Soto trade. He will be a platoon outfielder against right-handed pitchers. Grishman hit .256 against lefties last season and plays a solid center field, which could allow Judge to DH more or slide back to the right field when Soto DHs.
5. Caleb Ferguson, Pitcher via Trade
An unceremonious trade with the Los Angeles Dodgers gives the Yankees some pitching depth, as Caleb Ferguson can be used out of the bullpen in high-leverage situations, as a long man, or as a spot starter. The lefty went 7-4 in 2023 in seven starts and had a 3.43 ERA over 60.1 innings. Ferguson also saved three games and had 17 holds. The move didn't move the needle when it was announced, but Yankee fans will know who Ferguson is by the end of the year.
1. Juan Soto, Outfield via Trade
Juan Soto was the centerpiece of the Yankees’ offseason moves. New York needed a power lefty bat and outfield depth. Soto provides both. While they gave up pitching depth, this move deepens the lineup and should allow the Yankees to play a left fielder who can catch the baseball when it's hit at them. Last season with the San Diego Padres, Soto had an OPS of .930, hit 35 home runs, and drove in 109 runs while playing in 162 games.

Yankees Win Big? Analyzing New York’s Best 5 Offseason Additions

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