MLB Rumors: 5 Targets For Yankees After Losing Juan Soto

After losing Juan Soto to the rival New York Mets, who signed him to a record-breaking 15-year, $765 million deal, the New York Yankees must now pivot to alternative options to revamp their roster. 

Joel Reuter of Bleacher Report outlined five key targets that could help the Yankees address their most pressing needs. 

Leading the list is Teoscar Hernández, whose potent bat (.272/.339/.501, 33 home runs in 2024) and defensive capabilities make him a perfect complement to Aaron Judge. 

A proposed four-year, $96 million deal for Hernández would improve outfield production and bolster the middle of the lineup, which struggled with inconsistency last season.

The Yankees suddenly have a lot of money to spend and a fanbase with zero clue how they're gonna spend it.

Gimme SOMETHING today. Can be Max Fried or Tim Hill, I don't care. I want news.

— Max Mannis (@MaxMannis) December 9, 2024

Pitching remains a significant priority, and Reuter recommends the Yankees pursue Max Fried with a six-year, $150 million offer. 

Fried, one of baseball’s most reliable starters since 2019, would pair with Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodón to create a dominant rotation core. 

At first base, Christian Walker stands out as a logical fit on a two-year, $44 million deal, bringing elite defense and offensive power (26 home runs in 2024) to a position that was a glaring weakness for the Yankees last season. 

Additionally, Reuter suggests targeting Alec Bohm via trade with the Phillies, proposing a package including Nestor Cortes, Brock Selvidge, and Everson Pereira. 

Bohm’s All-Star-caliber bat and controllable contract would shore up third base and provide much-needed stability.

The Blue Jays, Red Sox, Phillies, and Yankees are active on free-agent relievers.

Tanner Scott, Carlos Estévez, Jeff Hoffman, Kenley Jansen, Kirby Yates, and Kyle Finnegan are among the top names still available. @MLBNetwork

— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) December 9, 2024

To fortify the bullpen, Reuter points to relievers Kirby Yates and A.J. Minter, alongside swingman Ryan Yarbrough, as potential targets. 

Yates, after posting a dominant 1.17 ERA with 33 saves in 2024, could assume high-leverage duties, while Minter adds a dependable left-handed option. 

Combined with Hernández, Walker, Bohm, and Fried, these moves would not only help the Yankees recover from missing out on Soto but also reshape the roster into a more balanced and competitive team for 2025. 

As Reuter puts it, “The Yankees were far from perfect even with Soto last year,” and these acquisitions could give them a better shot at returning to the World Series.

Photo Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images