NEW YORK—Just as his team attacked the Aaron Judge sweepstakes two years ago, Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner is ready to give Juan Soto top priority this winter.
At the Midtown Owners Meetings on Wednesday, Steinbrenner declared, “I have ears.” I am aware of the expectations. Priority has been given to it.
He is also aware that, whether Soto re-signs or not, more work must be done if he wants to lead his team back to the World Series the next year and win it.
Steinbrenner continued, “We do have other things to add, whether that’s via a trade or a free agent.” We need to do better at a few things. All clubs do.
When asked about the priorities outside of keeping Soto, Steinbrenner mentioned pitching.
“I don’t think you can ever have enough pitching,” Steinbrenner said in a hypothetical statement. We will delve deeply into the bullpen and the starting rotation. We are currently in the thick of our free agent meetings, going over each and every player available. After that, we begin to ask difficult questions and determine how to get better.
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There will always be upgrades, so the Yankees would be wise to think about methods to improve their starting rotation. Additionally, it’s possible that the starting lineup stays the same for the upcoming spring. The Yankees have six starters: Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodn, Luis Gil, who was named the American League Rookie of the Year earlier this week, Clarke Schmidt, Nestor Cortes, and Marcus Stroman.
In this way, the Yankees might try to improve other areas of their team by making trades from that surplus. The alternative is to proceed recklessly in the knowledge that accidents and unanticipated events are inevitable. Consider the issue that led to Gil’s award-winning campaign, Cole’s elbow injury this past spring.
On the other hand, the bullpen requires reinforcements. Free agents include relievers Jonathan Lo isiga, Tim Hill, Clay Holmes, and Tommy Kahnle. The only well-known player in the bullpen other than Mark Leiter Jr., Ian Hamilton, Jake Cousins, and others is breakout closer Luke Weaver.
The Yankees might choose to spend a portion of their winter budget on high-leverage relievers, paying more for their track record and expertise. They may also decide to launch an offensive on the trade market, bringing in premium relief options with potential capital. It is anticipated that the Yankees’ pitching staff will also be searching for further reclamation projects. Over the past few years, that has been the organization’s area of expertise.
The Yankees should add other players to their attack in addition to Soto.
For years, first base has been a vulnerability.The Yankees wisely refused Anthony Rizzo’s contract option for the upcoming season, making him a free agent. The Yankees would be better off adding a new player to the position—a slugger who can also play dependable defense—unless Rizzo can demonstrate that he is a contender for a comeback or Ben Rice makes a significant improvement this winter.
There will be a gap in the infield depending on Jazz Chisholm Jr.’s position next season. It is anticipated that Gleyber Torres’ time with the Yankees will come to an end as he is a free agent. The Yankees must either acquire quality there as well or go younger and offer a prospect like Caleb Durbin, who was elevated to the 40-man roster on Tuesday, an opportunity to make an impression. Veteran DJ LeMahieu, who has a contract worth $15 million annually for two more seasons, is the only other internal option.
There is also uncertainty in the outfield. One corner outfield slot will be available if Soto signs elsewhere, but Jasson Domnguez is expected to play a larger part in 2025.
In terms of payroll, Steinbrenner thinks the Yankees have more money to spend now than they did the previous season. According to Cot’s Contracts, the team’s estimated payroll for 2025 is $238.8 million, with funds flowing off the books this winter.
According to Steinbrenner, payrolls of $300 million, which the Yankees surpassed in 2024, are unsustainable. Steinbrenner stated that he is open to evaluating any proposal from general manager Brian Cashman and his team, even if he did not provide a number he is ready to reach this winter.
According to Steinbrenner, we have the power to sign any player we like.
You may contact Max Goodman at [email protected].
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