Juan Sotolove Tringali/MLB Photos via Getty ImagesOF Juan Soto 2B Gleyber Torres RP Clay Holmes RP Tommy Kahnle OF Alex Verdugo RP Tim Hill RP Jonathan Loaisiga
The biggest story of the offseason for the Yankees was Juan Soto’s time in pinstripes, as he had an incredible 2024 with batting averages of .288/.419/.569, OPS+ of 178, 31 doubles, 41 home runs, and 109 hits. I wonder if it will last beyond the season. 7.9 WAR RBI in a campaign.
It could cost upwards of $500 million to sign him, but given the reality of losing him in free agency and the fact that he played such an important role in the team’s success, the organization could You may think you need to pay a price.
Adding Jazz Chisholm Jr. as a third baseman at the trade deadline gives the Yankees some flexibility as far as free agency for Gleyber Torres is concerned. There is a possibility that they will move Chisholm back to his natural second base position and aim to play third base or keep him. Put him in the hot corner and look for a new second baseman.
Torres will likely play elsewhere in 2024, but he could also be a candidate for a qualifying offer.
Clay Holmes (67 at bats, 30 RBIs, 3.14 ERA), Tommy Kahnle (50 at bats, 16 RBIs, 2.11 ERA), and Tim Hill (35 at bats, 3 RBIs, 2.05 ERA) are the team’s most notable There were three relievers, but Holmes led the way. He had 13 saves in the majors, but Kahnle and Hill were both in their age-34 seasons, so all three could walk.
Alex Verdugo is almost certain to leave, but the team could reach an agreement on an incentive-packed deal to bring Jonathan Loaisiga back after elbow surgery in April. Because he’s been an option in lights-out setups in the past. .
Featured Club/Player Options
SP Gerrit Cole (opt-out) 1B Anthony Rizzo ($17 million club option) RP Lou Trivino ($5 million club option) RP Luke Weaver ($2.5 million club option)
If Soto’s decision is the biggest decision of the offseason, Gerrit Cole’s opt-out would be a “1A” on that list, but his contract allows the Yankees to override the opt-out for an additional $36 million. Unique provisions continue. The flip side of his current contract. The 10th year of his contract will be his age-38 season in 2029.
First baseman Anthony Rizzo failed to play in 100 games for the second year in a row and turned 35 in August. His $17 million club option will likely be declined, but it’s possible the Yankees bring him back on a two-year deal with more guaranteed money and a lower AAV.
Lou Trivino declining his option and breakout closer Luke Weaver exercising his option should both be easy decisions.
