The New York Yankees were in the hunt for a big star this offseason. After a horrible 2023 season, the organization realized that it was time to make some necessary changes throughout the franchise. Earlier in the offseason, Hal Steinbrenner, the owner, mentioned significant changes were coming. So did the GM, Brian Cashman, and the captain, Aaron Judge. Apparently, the Bronx Bombers have kept their promise. They made their fans really happy with a blockbuster trade. After a long wait and discussions, finally Juan Soto will play for the NY side.
The credit really goes to the front office for keeping their promise of making significant changes in the offseason. What can be bigger than getting one of the biggest offensive players available for a roster that is one of the worst in offense? However, it is not the end of the hunt for the Yankees as they will keep bidding for the Japanese sensation, pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Albeit, it will be a pretty new step for Hal Steinbrenner to have a larger payroll in a long time. Anyhow, the addition of Juan Soto can really change the luck for the Bronx Bombers on its head.
Soto Is Exactly Whom The Yankees Needed This Offseason
The main reason for Soto’s addition looking like a blessing is because where the Yankees suffered last season. It was their batting average, one of the worst in the league. But here comes Juan Soto with two things that the Yankees really were lacking. They needed a lefty slugger and somebody on a high base percentage. That’s exactly why Juan Soto is perfect for the Bronx Bombers. He has a .421 career OBP, which is the highest among the players currently there in the league.
Why would the San Diego Padres let a player like Soto go? It was because they had to slash payroll. On the other hand, the New York Yankees had a pretty solid bullpen with upper-level starting pitchers. Hence, the blockbuster trade between the Padres and the Yankees made complete sense. The NY side had to sacrifice a lot of assets like Michael King and Drew Thorpe. But in return, they received Juan Soto and Trent Grisham. Hence, sacrificing those pitching assets was worth it for the Bronx Bombers. It is all about what they need now.
Juan Soto Is Unlikely To Sign An Extension With The NY Side In Free Agency
Due to the offense last season, Brian Cashman, the GM, had to call it a “Disaster.” But Juan Soto will be part of the Yankees at least for a year. Later, they can sign extensions when Soto heads toward free agency. Anyway, Brian Cashman mentioned Juan is a transformational bat, one of the best sluggers in baseball.
Hence, the GM expects impactful performances from him. But Scott Boras may not advise his client to sign an extension in free agency next year. It can be a big blow to the Yankees. Moreover, Boras himself said, as per the New York Post, that when Soto is an offense in himself, there will be several teams in line to grab him. Boras believes Juan Soto can have a huge impact on any franchise.