The New York Yankees have been making waves this off-season. Since the start of winter meetings, the front office has been working day and night without off days to build a robust lineup for the 2024 season. Obviously, the tiring efforts are being made to change the narrative that the 2023 lost season set for the team.
In the biggest move of the off-season, the New York Yankees pulled off a heist and traded generational talent Juan Soto from the San Diego Padres. The move has got the fans and analysts alike excited for the future. Many believe the Bombers’ Evil Empire is back. However, Sal Licata of WFAN radio seemingly rejected the hype and showed the mirror of reality to fans.
Sal Licata Says Fans Mustn’t Get Excited For A “Rental” Juan Soto!
The New York Yankees leadership earned high praise from the fans after they pulled off a trade with the Padres that landed Juan Soto in the Bronx. In a seven-player swap deal, the Bombers acquired Soto and Trent Grisham. But had to part with Michael King, Jhony Brito, Randy Vasquez, Drew Thorpe, and Kyle Higashioka in the process. Nevertheless, the upside Soto brings to the team’s hitting lineup subsided the concerns. Many fans claimed that the Yanks are back in World Series contention. However, WFAN radio host Sal Licata does not seem to agree with the narrative. He rather opened up the fans’ eyes by showing them the reality and gravity of the situation.
In the latest episode of the WFAN Radio show, Sal Licata said that the Yankees haven’t done anything significant enough, which suggests that they are back in the game. While the front office acquired Juan Soto in a blockbuster trade deal, one must not forget that he is arriving on a one-year rental deal. “There is no guarantee. You and other Yankee fans are acting like he is a Yankee for life,” said Sal. As a Scott Boras client, Sal does not expect Soto to sign an extension deal with the Bombers at the end of the 2024 season. Thus, Licata feels the Yanks have a long way to go before they can call themselves Evil Empire. “Really, what have the Yankees done? It feels like the Yankees are on their way back, but they’re not back yet,” said Licata.
Yankees Meet Yoshinobu Yamamoto In First Off-Season Meet!
Meanwhile, the New York Yankees finally made a head start in the Yoshinobu Yamamoto sweepstakes. The team of representatives, which consisted of owner Hal Steinbrenner and general manager Brian Cashman, flew to Los Angeles on Monday. The team sat down with Yamamoto and held negotiations one-on-one. Moreover, Andy Martino of SNY claimed that talks were positive and that the Yankees still stand a strong chance to land Yamamoto.
However, there has been a change in dynamics. Apparently, the Los Angeles Dodgers have made a late entry to stake claim on Yoshinobu Yamamoto. If reports are to be believed, Shohei Ohtani has deferred $680 million of his $700 million contract till the end of his deal. This will allow the Dodgers to make a strong push for Yamamoto without worrying about the payroll.
