Re-signing Juan Soto is clearly the Yankees’ top priority this offseason. Losing him would deprive manager Aaron Boone of a game-changing bat in the middle of the lineup. New York will likely be involved in Soto’s free agency negotiations up until the moment he signs a new deal.
However, GM Brian Cashman and his team must prepare contingency plans in case Soto receives an offer from another team that exceeds the Yankees’ budget. While this scenario is unlikely, it’s not out of the question. The key for New York is to know how to adjust if Soto leaves.
The following five moves won’t fully compensate for missing out on Soto, but they could help the team improve heading into 2025.
Move No. 5: Sign Corbin Burnes
If the Yankees can’t secure Soto, their attention should shift to the second-best free agent available: Corbin Burnes. Signing the 29-year-old would give New York one of the most formidable 1-2 starting pitching tandems in Major League Baseball.
Acquiring Burnes from the division-rival Orioles would be an added bonus. He is expected to land the largest free-agent contract of the offseason, and if the Yankees miss out on Soto, they should have the financial flexibility to match Burnes’ asking price.
Strengthening their postseason roster is crucial if New York hopes to end its World Series drought, and adding another ace like Burnes would be the most impactful way to do so. Expect Cashman to move quickly to sign Burnes if Soto decides to take his talents elsewhere.
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