Juan Soto, trades, rumors and free agency

On the final day of the 2023 season, Aaron Boone, manager of the New York Yankees, was questioned about whether he would be watching the postseason games. His response was that he would initially disappear but would eventually be enticed into watching. After failing to qualify for the playoffs despite having the highest payroll in the American League, the Yankees had a head start on their offseason planning. The first step was to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the organization. Now that another World Series has concluded without the Yankees, they must focus on building a championship contender for the 2024 season. Here are some key items on the Yankees’ immediate agenda:

1. Determining the Yankees’ 2024 payroll: While Hal Steinbrenner may not be enthusiastic about matching the record-breaking payroll of Mets owner Steve Cohen, it is likely that the Yankees will need to spend their way out of their current situation. Currently, six Yankees players account for $167 million in payroll for 2024, including Giancarlo Stanton and Carlos Rodon, who are owed $59 million combined next season. Although up to $70 million could be cleared from the books due to free agents and non-tenders, the team is still paying a significant amount to former players Aaron Hicks and Josh Donaldson. Additionally, arbitration raises will add millions more to the payroll.

2. Juan Soto, trade news, and free agency: The process of reshaping the 2024 team may begin at the General Managers Meetings in Scottsdale, Arizona, followed by the Winter Meetings in Nashville, Tennessee. If the San Diego Padres are open to trading Juan Soto, the Yankees must consider the asking price and decide how much they are willing to offer in prospects and dollars for a superstar outfielder who will become a free agent after the 2024 season. They should also explore the possibility of signing free agent Cody Bellinger, a lefty outfield bat with impact potential. The Yankees must also assess the market for Japanese pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto and consider the cost of Shohei Ohtani, despite having Giancarlo Stanton in the designated hitter spot.

3. Yankees’ own free agents: It is not expected that any of the Yankees’ free agents will receive a qualifying offer for 2024, which is estimated to be around $20 million. Starters Luis Severino and Frankie Montas, as well as utility player Isiah Kiner-Falefa, are likely to sign with other teams as free agents, resulting in a payroll reduction of $28.5 million. However, there is a possibility that relievers Wandy Peralta and Keynan Middleton will be re-signed. The Yankees also have a pressing need for lefty relief pitchers, whether they retain Peralta or not.

4. Decisions on Domingo German and Kyle Higashioka: The deadline for non-tendering players is November 17th. At that time, the Yankees may choose to part ways with reliever Lou Trivino and backup catcher Kyle Higashioka. Starter Domingo German has already been placed on outright waivers. Together, these players made just over $8 million last season. Trivino missed the entire 2023 season due to Tommy John surgery, and the Yankees have cheaper bullpen options available. German voluntarily entered alcohol rehab after a disturbing clubhouse incident following his perfect game. He has also served a suspension for domestic violence. Higashioka, the longest-tenured Yankee, is facing competition at catcher and may be let go.

5. Can the Yankees trade Giancarlo Stanton and Gleyber Torres? Trading Stanton would be difficult unless he waives his no-trade clause and the Yankees agree to a substantial portion of his remaining contract. However, it is something to consider. Infielder Gleyber Torres and closer Clay Holmes, both arbitration-eligible, are expected to receive significant salary increases. They could be potential trade assets, along with Oswald Peraza and Clarke Schmidt. Torres’ value to the team, coming off a strong offensive season and entering his final year before becoming a free agent, may outweigh the potential return.

In addition to these key items, the Yankees need to address vacancies on their coaching staff, including a big-league hitting coach and potentially a new bench coach. They are also evaluating areas such as analytics and injury prevention for potential changes.

Reference

David Rodriguez

David Rodriguez brings the excitement of Major League Baseball to readers. With a deep appreciation for America’s pastime, he covers the latest MLB news, scores, and player achievements, keeping fans up to date with their favorite teams and players.