As the New York Yankees find themselves down 3-1 in the World Series, facing an uphill battle to overcome a 3-0 series deficit against the Los Angeles Dodgers, the front office is already contemplating their next moves for the offseason. While the Yankees are still holding onto hope for a miraculous comeback, the organization is also planning for scenarios beyond this year’s World Series, particularly concerning the future of their roster.
One of the biggest questions looming over the Yankees is the status of outfielder Juan Soto. The 26-year-old slugger, who has been an outstanding addition to the team, will be a free agent at the end of this season.
Soto has been a pivotal piece for the Yankees since they acquired him in a trade with the San Diego Padres, playing a significant role in bringing New York to its first World Series appearance in 15 years. However, Soto’s impending free agency means that he will have a range of options, with multiple teams likely vying for his services—some of whom may be willing to offer a higher price than the Yankees.
According to a report by Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Yankees are already preparing a list of potential backup plans in case Soto chooses to sign elsewhere.
Among the players under consideration are New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso, Baltimore Orioles outfielder Anthony Santander, and Houston Astros third baseman Alex Bregman. In addition to position players, the Yankees are also exploring pitching options, with Blake Snell and Corbin Burnes reportedly topping the list.
RELATED: Report: Dodgers Expected to Pursue Juan Soto in Free Agency
r
Heyman suggests that, should Soto decide not to return, the Yankees might shift their focus to acquiring multiple players to strengthen their roster. “They might be able to sign three to four stars,” Heyman reported, indicating that New York’s approach may involve spreading their resources across multiple acquisitions rather than trying to replace Soto with a single marquee player. It may not be the classic Moneyball approach, but it seems clear that the Yankees understand that replacing Soto’s impact would require a broader effort—one that involves filling the gap in the aggregate.
The Yankees’ pursuit of Juan Soto began last offseason when they made a blockbuster trade with the Padres to bring the young outfielder to New York. Soto’s arrival provided a massive boost to the lineup, and his contributions have been instrumental in the team’s postseason run. However, keeping Soto in pinstripes may prove challenging, especially given the competition from other teams and the potential price tag.
Heyman also notes that the Yankees believe it will take a contract length of 13 years to secure Soto. Such a commitment would require significant financial flexibility, something that Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner has previously expressed concerns about. Steinbrenner has called the current payroll situation “unsustainable,” and the team’s long-term financial commitments are already substantial.
The Yankees have multiple players—including Aaron Judge, Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodon, and Giancarlo Stanton—on deals worth $25 million or more per year that run through at least 2027. These commitments could make it difficult for New York to offer Soto the kind of long-term, high-value deal that he is expected to command.
If the Yankees are unable to retain Soto, their backup plans will likely focus on acquiring players who can address multiple needs.
Pete Alonso would bring significant power to the lineup, while Anthony Santander could provide both offensive production and defensive versatility. Alex Bregman, a proven third baseman with a championship pedigree, would add another dimension to the Yankees’ infield.
On the pitching side, Blake Snell and Corbin Burnes would be valuable additions to the starting rotation, providing depth and talent to a pitching staff that has faced its share of challenges.
The upcoming offseason will be a pivotal one for the Yankees, as they look to build on the momentum of their World Series appearance and address key roster needs. Whether they succeed in re-signing Juan Soto or pivot to other high-profile targets, the decisions made by the front office will shape the team’s trajectory for years to come.
For now, the Yankees are focused on the task at hand—trying to claw their way back into the World Series against the Dodgers—but the offseason planning is already well underway, with several potential paths forward being explored.
