HAPPY NEW (YORK YANKEES’) YEAR – WE HOPE!
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Crazily, even the Yankees offered much more than $700 million with their final offer being $760 million for a 16-year deal, which lessened the annual average the Mets offered but would have still been preposterous! Also, the Mets mistakenly offered him so many perks including funding for his mother's clothing, a paid large suite at home games, exclusive security to him and his family, and so many other perks that were never offered to their other stars. I say, "mistakenly" because no one team member should be treated that exclusively if they are truly a "team" player. That's also against any business sense in regards to offering differential treatment.
As I mentioned in my last blog, there is no doubt that Soto is one of the top hitters in all of baseball, but he (or any other baseball player for that matter) is certainly not worth that enormous of an investment. Although Soto just turned 26 years old, the Mets could conceivably have him until he reaches 41 years old. His defense is subpar and, also as mentioned in my last blog, it won’t improve to any extreme degree. In fact, it’s inevitable that he will qualify more as a DH than as a right fielder over the next few years. That likely scenario would make his annual earnings even less palatable, if there’s room for that level.
With Soto no longer a Yankee, that made their improvement plans even more unsurmountable. Thankfully, they didn’t waste any time by acting immediately. Here are some of their key signings (the main roster addition is underlined) with team improvements in each case:
- Attained (RHP/Closer) Devin Williams in a trade with the Brewers for (RHP) Nestor Cortes & (2B) Caleb Durbin.
- Attained (LF/CF/1B) Cody Bellinger in a trade with the Cubs for (RHP) Cody Poteet and cash.
- Signed free agent (LHP/Starter) Max Fried.
- Attained RHP (Reliever) Fernando Cruz & (C) Alex Jackson for (C) Jose Treviño.
- Re-signed free agent (RHP/Reliever) Jonathan Loáisiga.
- Signed free agent (1B) Paul Goldschmidt.
- In an unannounced deal at this point, it has been reported that the Yankees signed former Cub top prospect, (LF) Brennen Davis (a recent top 100 prospect) to a minor league deal or a spring training invite.
Of the above transactions, the 3 standouts are Devin Williams, Max Fried, and Cody Bellinger. Devin was one of last year’s best closers in the game, Fried was one of the best starters, and Cody has had several great seasons including 2023 while 2024 was still considered good offensively and still excellent defensively at varying positions.
With Devin (WHIP=0.097), the Yankees have one of the top 2 bullpens in all of baseball, barring injuries. Devin will become the closer with Luke Weaver moving to the 8th inning generically. Of course, Weaver could also still close the games when needed.
With Fried (WHIP=1.16), the Yankees have also moved up their starting pitching rotation to becoming arguably the best or second best in baseball, barring injuries. He reminds me so much of Mike Mussina, which is certainly a great thing!
As for Cody Bellinger (18 HR projected to exceed 24 with Yankees Stadium factored into half his games), he is a player the Yankees coveted for years. As alluded, his lefthanded swing is ideal for Yankee Stadium – maybe once he adjusts his swing, he may even hit 30 homeruns. The fact that he can play centerfield, leftfield, or first base without compromising defense is awesome. That versatility is such an asset for Boone to have to rest players or spell if injuries occur from others. He is another player acquired who had a childhood dream of playing for the Yankees, especially since his father (Clay) played for them during 2 championship years (1999 & 2000). All Yankees’ fans can also appreciate Cody’s public vocalized angry comments ripping the Astros for their cheating to attain championships and even specifically against the world's biggest cheater, José Altuve, for “stealing” the MVP away from Aaron Judge in 2017, who ultimately came in second place.
The Goldschmidt signing is also worth mentioning. While he struggled in the beginning of last season, he found his way back to being a force to reckon with against his opponents during the last half – totaling 22 homers & 33 doubles. His defense is still amongst the best at first base. The only downside I saw last year (I watch a lot of games) was that he seemed to let his early season struggles affect his defense somewhat. In any case, his numbers far exceed Rizzo’s, who I feel bad for because those concussions really negatively transformed his offensive and defensive abilities over the past 2 seasons. Goldschmidt was only signed to a 1-year contract ($12.5 million), so the risk versus the potential rewards is considered low.
What’s next? The Yankees still need to acquire either a second baseman or a third baseman. No Yankees’ fan wants LeMahieu to be a fulltime player at any position (physically, he probably can’t anyway)! Also, while Oswaldo Cabrera has been a good backup at multiple positions, his performance is like a roller coaster and his standard OPS does not seem like it will ever be good enough as a fulltime player for a team trying to win the World Series. As for Oswald Peraza, his defense has shined more than his offense. He's another good backup at this stage, but we shouldn’t count on him beyond that level. I’m unsure what the Yankees will do for 2B or 3B with Jazz Chisholm playing one of those positions. We also need a leftfielder or centerfielder if we don’t feel the Martian (Jasson Dominguez) is truly ready yet. I propose (not that the Yankees read my blog or care to take my advice anyway) we sign free agent Jurickson Profar for left field (Bellinger would then play centerfield). Last year, Profar hit .280 with 24 HRs, 85RBIs, and had a .838 OPS. He’s also a switch hitter, which is always an advantage against any pitcher. His only detriment is that he has Scott Boras as his agent. If the Yankees do sign him, that would mean that the Martian would either go back to AAA to develop further or become available as trade bait for a good or great second or third baseman. That would also open the door wider for another promising outfield star, Spencer Jones – who could be Major-League-ready by 2026.
