As the New York Yankees await Juan Soto’s decision on his future, the team’s front office is preparing for all potential outcomes, including the possibility that Soto may sign elsewhere. While the Yankees have already made their best pitch to the generational talent, offering a lucrative contract, they are also exploring other avenues to improve their roster in the event they miss out on Soto.
In recent days, reports have linked the Yankees to several key free-agent targets, including shortstop Willy Adames and pitchers Max Fried and Corbin Burnes. Each of these players offers significant potential to enhance the Yankees’ lineup or pitching staff, whether or not Soto ultimately joins the team.
Adames, who enjoyed a career year with the Milwaukee Brewers in 2024, hitting 32 home runs and driving in 112 RBIs, is a major target for the Yankees. Adames’ offensive contributions would fill a key gap in New York’s infield, especially with the void left by free agent Gleyber Torres. The Yankees could potentially move their promising shortstop, Anthony Volpe, to second base to make room for Adames at shortstop. Alternatively, the team could look at shifting Jazz Chisholm Jr. to second, where he has experience, while moving Adames to third base.
While Adames would bolster the Yankees’ infield, the team’s pitching search is equally important. Despite a solid 2024 season that saw the Yankees’ rotation post a 3.85 ERA, good for 10th in Major League Baseball, the front office is looking at additional ways to strengthen the staff. The Yankees recently held a 90-minute Zoom meeting with Fried, a two-time All-Star with a 2.81 ERA since 2020. Fried is known for his ability to induce groundouts, making him a strong addition to New York rotation. The team is also exploring Corbin Burnes, a durable right-hander with a 2.92 ERA in 2024. Burnes’ ability to generate ground balls and strikeouts makes him another appealing option for the Yankees, particularly as a potential complement to ace Gerrit Cole.
Both Fried and Burnes are expected to command substantial contracts, with Fried potentially exceeding the $162 million deal signed by Carlos Rodón last offseason. Meanwhile, Burnes could receive a contract similar to the one Blake Snell is expected to secure from the Los Angeles Dodgers. For the Yankees, adding both Fried and Burnes would likely push their payroll beyond the luxury tax threshold, something the team seems prepared to do, especially if Soto is signed as well.
The Yankees are in a unique position, awaiting Soto decision while simultaneously laying the groundwork for a potential free-agent haul. With their payroll projected to be around $230 million, it remains unclear just how far the Yankees are willing to go in their pursuit of Adames, Fried, Burnes, and possibly Soto. As the Winter Meetings approach, the Yankees are bracing for a busy offseason, hoping that their efforts to secure top-tier talent will pay off, whether or not Soto joins the team.
