EXPLAINED: Yankees’ Roster Situation Ahead Of Free Agency

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The New York Yankees’ offseason moves will be pivotal in determining whether they can build on 2024’s success and solidify themselves as perennial contenders. The 2024 World Series defeat is something that will haunt them for a long white. However, moving on is inevitable.

With the off-season just 2 months long this time, swift changes are the need of the hour. The New York Yankees must ensure they address all the roster shortcomings to build a better and balanced lineup. Let’s rewind the franchise’s roster situation ahead of the decisive free agency.

   

Juan Soto Priority In Yankees Off-Season Checklist

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As the 2024 MLB offseason begins, the New York Yankees find themselves at a critical juncture with key roster decisions looming large. Coming off a season that ended in the heartbreak of a World Series loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers, general manager Brian Cashman and the front office are under significant pressure to ensure that their team remains a championship contender. The foremost priority is securing the services of Juan Soto. Soto posted a career-high 41 home runs, a .989 OPS, and was a postseason force with a .327 average and four homers, including a pennant-clinching blast. Soto’s free agency, however, poses a challenge. Having already experienced multiple trades and a World Series victory with the Washington Nationals, Soto is now in a position to explore his options.

Beyond Soto, the New York Yankees must address other pressing roster concerns. The departure of second baseman Gleyber Torres in free agency opens a significant gap. Torres had a productive October, but the team may look to younger options like Oswald Peraza or Caleb Durbin to step up in 2025. Besides, first base is another area where the Yanks need an upgrade. Anthony Rizzo’s club option is declined, which leaves a void that Ben Rice is not yet ready to fill. Finding a reliable first baseman, whether through trade or free agency, will be crucial to ensuring the team’s infield stability. Besides, outfield depth is also on the franchise’s to-do list. With Alex Verdugo set to test free agency, the organization needs to determine if Jasson Domínguez can become an everyday player in left field. In the arbitration sphere, decisions on players like Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Clarke Schmidt seem straightforward, as both are expected to return.

Will Gerrit Cole Return After Opting Out Of Contract?

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Adding a starting pitcher remains a consideration for the New York Yankees this off-season. Gerrit Cole was outstanding, but he has opted out of his contract. The Yanks can void it by adding an extra year to his nine-year $324 million deal. However, the additional $36 million will impact their other off-season decisions.

Moreover, while Carlos Rodon improved as the year progressed, the team lacks a reliable No. 2 starter. Not only that, the Yankees’ ambitions of signing Juan Soto could restrict their ability to pursue high-profile arms, especially if ownership is committed to staying under the $300 million payroll threshold.

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