The New York Yankees have made significant moves this offseason to compensate for the loss of Juan Soto, who signed with the rival New York Mets in free agency. Their additions of Cody Bellinger, Devin Williams, and Max Fried reflect a strategy to bolster both their offense and pitching while reshaping the team’s overall identity. Here’s a breakdown of their current situation:
Key Additions
- Cody Bellinger (Outfield/First Base):
- The former MVP provides a strong left-handed bat and defensive versatility. Bellinger had a resurgent year in 2024 and will aim to help offset the loss of Soto’s offensive production.
- Devin Williams (Reliever):
- Adding Williams strengthens the back end of the bullpen. The former NL Reliever of the Year is an elite closer with dominant strikeout stuff, providing a boost to a Yankees bullpen that struggled with consistency in 2024.
- Max Fried (Starting Pitcher):
- Fried is a top-tier left-handed starter and instantly improves a Yankees rotation that has dealt with injuries and underperformance. Pairing Fried with Gerrit Cole gives the Yankees a formidable one-two punch.
Defensive Overhaul
- Paul Goldschmidt at First Base:
- Goldschmidt, acquired to replace Anthony Rizzo, adds both defensive reliability and a veteran presence at the plate. His glove and leadership could help stabilize an infield that struggled mightily on defense in 2024.
- Second Base Question Mark:
- The Yankees are still searching for a solution at second base after a season plagued by defensive miscues and inconsistent production.
- Oswaldo Cabrera is a potential internal option, though his versatility makes him valuable in a utility role.
- Trade rumors indicate the Yankees are exploring the market for a veteran infielder to fill the gap, signaling they may not be satisfied with their current options.
Looking Ahead
- The Yankees’ aggressive offseason moves show a commitment to remaining competitive in a stacked AL East. However, addressing the hole at second base will be critical to solidifying the infield and maximizing the impact of their other acquisitions.
- With a refreshed roster and a mix of veteran and young talent, the Yankees appear determined to bounce back after a disappointing 2024 season and reassert themselves as contenders in 2025.
- The Yankees are in an intriguing position with their infield needs and the status of Oswaldo Cabrera. While Cabrera’s versatility and cost-control make him an attractive option for the Yankees or as a trade piece, the team seems intent on acquiring a veteran to solidify their roster for a win-now approach. Here’s an analysis of their potential targets:
Options for the Yankees’ Infield Need
1. Luis Arraez (San Diego Padres)
- Pros:
- Elite contact hitter with a .314 career batting average and three batting titles.
- Exceptional at getting on base, addressing one of the Yankees’ biggest weaknesses from 2024.
- Would provide a solid leadoff option for their lineup.
- Cons:
- Defensive liabilities might exacerbate the Yankees’ struggles in the field.
- Likely to require significant assets in a trade, potentially including Cabrera or other top prospects.
2. Jorge Polanco (Seattle Mariners)
- Pros:
- Strong defensive profile and capable of playing both second base and shortstop.
- Could improve his offensive numbers in a hitter-friendly park like Yankee Stadium.
- Allows flexibility to keep Cabrera as a utility player.
- Cons:
- Offensive struggles in 2024 may carry over into 2025.
- Might not fully address the Yankees’ need for a high-OBP bat.
3. Gleyber Torres (Internal Option)
- Pros:
- Familiarity with the team and proven offensive upside.
- Improved defense at second base in 2024, though still inconsistent.
- Allows Yankees to conserve assets for other needs.
- Cons:
- Torres’ streaky performance could frustrate a win-now approach.
- Questions remain about his long-term future with the team given trade rumors.
Trade or Keep Oswaldo Cabrera?
Cabrera’s ability to play multiple positions and his affordability make him a valuable asset. However, the Yankees’ hesitation to fully commit to him signals they might see him more as a trade chip.
- If Kept: Cabrera could provide depth and flexibility, especially if injuries arise. His potential to develop further as a hitter makes him a solid bench option.
- If Traded: Cabrera could help acquire a high-quality veteran like Arraez or Polanco without depleting the farm system significantly.
Best Fit: Jorge Polanco
Polanco balances the Yankees’ need for defensive reliability and a manageable acquisition cost. While he doesn’t bring elite offensive production, his steadiness and the ability to free up Jazz Chisholm Jr. for third base make him a practical solution.
Keeping Cabrera in this scenario offers the Yankees both insurance and flexibility as they navigate the long MLB season. Polanco’s addition, combined with the Yankees’ strong offseason acquisitions, could position them well for contention in 2025.
- Pros:
