A current MLB insider, who also has a long resume as a league executive, believes the New York Yankees have very clear needs that can be filled with a specific blockbuster trade in the offseason, and the team is probably a top contender to get such a deal done.
While the New York Yankees maintained their nearly three-decade-long streak of being an over .500 team, their 2023 campaign was a major disappointment. Despite having the reigning American League MVP, getting a career year from ace Gerrit Cole, and the addition of big-ticket free-agent Carlos Rodon, injuries and surprisingly poor performances had a massive effect on the team.
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For most franchises, finishing over .500 with some decent excuses would be enough, however, that will not due for the Bronx Bombers. There are expected to be changes this winter, the question is how impactful will they be. Along with bolstering the pitching staff, a left-handed power bat would be a huge difference-maker.
Former MLB exec believes New York Yankees have the chips necessary to make Juan Soto trade
That is why The Athletic’s MLB insider, and former general manager, Jim Bowden believes that a trade for San Diego Padres star Juan should and could happen this winter. And the Yankees have the assets to get a deal done to create the “best offensive outfield in the sport.”
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“A trade for Soto makes sense because the Yankees badly need another impact left-handed hitter and must get younger at the same time. When healthy, the trio of Soto, DomÃnguez, and Aaron Judge should be the best offensive outfield in the sport.
“The Yankees have the resources to sign Soto long term if the move works out or they could trade him at the 2024 deadline if things go south. They could offer the Padres a package of major-league-ready talent including pitchers Michael King and Jhony Brito, outfielder Everson Pereira and infielder Oswald Peraza. If they landed Soto, the Yankees could then focus mostly on improving their starting rotation for the rest of the offseason.”
– Jim Bowden
- Juan Soto stats (2023): .275 AVG, .410 OBP, .519 SLG, 35 HR, 109 RBI, 97 R
Soto is entering the final year of his contract and is expected to hit free agency in 2024 so he can land a massive deal that may only be beaten out by whatever Shohei Ohtani gets this winter.
The three-time All-Star has reportedly been high on the Yankees’ wish list the last couple of years and they heavily scouted him before he was traded from the Nationals to the Padres in 2022. Recent rumors have suggested San Diego will try and move him this winter.