The New York Yankees are actively pursuing star outfielder Juan Soto during the 2024-2025 offseason, aiming to bolster their lineup with his exceptional offensive skills. Soto, a 26-year-old free agent, has garnered interest from multiple teams, including the Yankees, Mets, Red Sox, Blue Jays, and Dodgers. His impressive career statistics and consistent performance make him a highly sought-after player in the current free-agent market.
In mid-November, the Yankees met with Soto in California, with team owner Hal Steinbrenner describing the meeting as “good” and noting “very honest back-and-forth dialogue.” The Yankees’ delegation included general manager Brian Cashman, manager Aaron Boone, president Randy Levine, and special assistant Omar Minaya. This meeting underscores the Yankees’ serious interest in securing Soto’s talents for the upcoming season.
Despite the Yankees’ strong interest, competition for Soto is fierce. Reports indicate that Mets owner Steve Cohen is prepared to outbid other offers by $50 million, highlighting the financial challenges the Yankees may face in this bidding war. Additionally, the Red Sox and Dodgers have emerged as potential contenders, with the Dodgers benefiting from savings due to Shohei Ohtani’s deferred deal.
In preparation for the possibility of acquiring Soto, the Yankees have made strategic roster moves. They agreed to a one-year, $5 million contract with outfielder Trent Grisham to avoid arbitration. Grisham’s addition provides depth to the outfield, potentially complementing Soto if he joins the team. Furthermore, the Yankees signed veteran utilityman Pablo Reyes, adding versatility to their roster amid the ongoing pursuit of Soto.
The Yankees’ outfield configuration remains a topic of discussion, especially concerning center field. Current options like Aaron Judge and Trent Grisham are not ideal fits for the position, bringing attention to emerging player Jasson Dominguez. Despite showing potential with four home runs in his first eight MLB games, Dominguez’s performance has been inconsistent, hampered by injuries, and a .617 OPS with the Yankees last season. At only 22, Dominguez has potential, but questions regarding his consistency and health persist. If the Yankees acquire Soto, financial constraints could necessitate relying on younger, cost-effective players like Dominguez.
