As always, New York was impressed by how different Hal Steinbrenner is from the Old Man, who never took no for an answer, after listening to him for more than fifteen minutes on Wednesday.
The young Steinbrenner is up against the biggest obstacle in his career. He must weigh the Yankees’ desire for Juan Soto against an outrageous price tag.
It’s funny how the myth of George’s ownership grows stronger the longer he’s been gone. The Boss would have done anything for Soto, even bending down and paying the biggest check of his life, according to fans.
I apologize, but that is absurd. A tycoon like Steve Cohen would never have tricked Steinbrenner into an unwinnable bidding battle. Not even for Soto, a supernova.
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No, I’m willing to wager that the original Boss would have deceived Agent Scott Boras. Steinbrenner would have distributed the funds among three or four more significant pieces rather than allowing the Yankees to become accustomed to raising Soto’s price.
Despite his propensity for rash purchases, Steinbrenner was wise enough to avoid being conned.
His son won’t either.
Hal Steinbrenner, in my opinion, is already getting ready for Soto to defect into the Mets’ devoted arms. The slugger will remain in New York, assist a top-tier team, and secure a contract worth at least $600 million.
It simply won’t take place in the Bronx.
Additionally, it will be the finest thing for the Yankees.
I’m not saying that I don’t like Soto. He is charming and honest. His generational talent is also something I am aware of. The Yankees’ World Series run in the one and only season that Soto was in Pinstripes was no accident.
However, a front-line starter to ride shotgun with Gerryt Cole would better address the Bombers’ shortcomings. To take Anthony Rizzo’s place, they need a first baseman.
For Jazz Chisholm to be able to move to second base, they need a third baseman. Gleyber Torres must disappear completely.
So be ready to welcome Corbin Burnes, Alex Bregman, Christian Walker, and Anthony Santander—the Plan B arrivals Steinbrenner and General Manager Brian Cashman are secretly considering.
The Yankees’ offense, defense, and the feared basics that cost them the World Series would all be greatly enhanced by this impressive wish list.
If nothing else, the Yankees will gain by subtracting: losing Rizzo and Torres will make them less mentally prone (Torres) and less unathletic (Rizzo).
However, the assumption behind these solutions is that Soto is going to Flushing. After a long in-person discussion with Soto and Boras, I wrote a report on the Yankees’ optimism on Monday.
At least one club source said everything went well. Soto was reminded by Steinbrenner, Cashman, Aaron Boone, and senior adviser Omar Minaya of how swiftly he found himself in the World Series. Both players and supporters valued him.
In reality, Soto gave a very passionate response. For this reason, the gathering did not only inspire some members of the organization. In the Soto sweepstakes, they view the Yankees as the front-runners.
Steinbrenner, however, was more cautious. Steinbrenner said that he never really clicked with Soto this season during a break in the owners meetings in Manhattan on Wednesday. The goodwill at Monday’s meeting didn’t appear to impress him as much.
For example, I inquired as to whether the Yankees’ preexisting relationship with Soto gave them an advantage.
Not even Steinbrenner would bite.
He said, “No idea, no idea.” All I know is that this (free agency tour) is something he earned. You are aware that he will go through the procedure.
A question concerning the pressure on social media to sign Soto was then posed to Steinbrenner.
We pay attention to our fans. “I have ears,” he declared. I am aware of the expectations.
That wasn’t a catchphrase. The sound was more like a tired confession. Although he is aware that the Mets will ultimately contribute more money to the fight, Steinbrenner will fulfill his pledge to challenge Cohen.
Steinbrenner will come in second place if Soto solely follows the money. He will inform the public that Soto and Boras put financial gain ahead of legacy.
Many fans will be extremely disappointed. The team’s fiercest player was Soto. Compared to other Yankees, he was less fearful of pressure. In a large market, Soto demonstrated his ability to perform.
That has some worth. It will be difficult for the Yankees to find a free agent that tough.
If the Yankees already had a real No. 2 star behind Cole, a third baseman who wasn’t playing out of position, and a more savvy second baseman than Torres, then it would actually be a no-brainer to keep Soto in the Bronx.
However, none of those assets are available to the Yankees. There are more gaps in this roster than Soto can cover alone.
The Yankees shouldn’t weep, but he will be missed. The wise course of action is Plan B.
You can contact Bob Klapisch at [email protected].
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