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The possibility of Juan Soto signing elsewhere this offseason has Yankees fans bracing for what could be a pivotal winter in the Bronx. ESPN Senior Baseball Writer David Schoenfield recently outlined how the Yankees could pivot if Soto opts not to remain in pinstripes, offering a pragmatic approach to filling the gaping hole left by the superstar outfielder’s potential departure.
While Schoenfield predicts Soto could stay in New York but sign with the Mets, his proposed alternatives for the Yankees—Willy Adames and Anthony Santander—offer intriguing possibilities for the Yankees to retool their roster.
The Soto Dilemma
Soto is undoubtedly one of the most coveted free agents in baseball this offseason. His blend of power, discipline, and consistent production at the plate makes him a franchise-altering talent. However, if the Yankees lose the Soto sweepstakes to the Mets or another suitor, they’ll need to quickly shift gears to address their roster needs.
Soto’s departure would leave a significant void in the outfield and create a ripple effect across the lineup. As Schoenfield notes, the Yankees are already facing challenges with Gleyber Torres hitting free agency, leaving them with holes in both the outfield and the infield.
Plan B: Willy Adames and Anthony Santander
Instead of committing to a mega-contract for Soto, Schoenfield suggests the Yankees focus on Willy Adames and Anthony Santander, two proven players who could provide power and flexibility at a more manageable cost.
Willy Adames: Infield Versatility and Power
Adames, who has primarily played shortstop during his career, is coming off a career-high season in which he hit 32 home runs with a slash line of .251/.331/.462. His offensive consistency and defensive versatility make him a natural fit for the Yankees’ infield.
With Torres likely departing and Anthony Volpe entrenched at shortstop, Adames could slide over to third base, solidifying the left side of the infield. This move would allow the Yankees to move Jazz Chisholm back to his natural position at second base, providing stability across the diamond.
Adames also brings postseason experience and leadership to the table, qualities that align with the Yankees’ win-now mentality.
Anthony Santander: Power Bat for the Outfield
Replacing Soto’s production in the outfield won’t be easy, but Anthony Santander is an excellent Plan B. The slugger is coming off a career-high season in which he hit 44 home runs while posting a slash line of .246/.307/.469.
Santander’s ability to drive in runs and hit for power makes him a strong candidate to replace Soto’s offensive output. However, he does come with some concerns:
- Strikeouts: Santander struck out 129 times last season, a potential red flag for a Yankees lineup that has historically struggled with high strikeout rates.
- Competition: Santander is expected to draw significant interest as several teams—including the Toronto Blue Jays—view him as a fallback option if they fail to land Soto.
Despite these drawbacks, Santander’s proven track record and offensive upside make him a valuable addition to the Yankees’ outfield.
Fitting the Pieces Together
If the Yankees follow Schoenfield’s advice, their revamped lineup could look something like this:
- Anthony Volpe – Shortstop
- Jazz Chisholm – Second Base
- Willy Adames – Third Base
- Anthony Santander – Right Field
- Aaron Judge – Center Field
- Giancarlo Stanton – Designated Hitter
- Anthony Rizzo – First Base
- Harrison Bader – Left Field
- Kyle Higashioka – Catcher
This lineup balances power with defensive versatility, addressing key needs while maintaining the Yankees’ competitive edge.
Challenges and Competition
While Adames and Santander present viable alternatives, securing their services won’t come without challenges:
- Financial Flexibility: Both players will command significant contracts, albeit less than Soto’s potential mega-deal.
- Competing Offers: Teams vying for Soto’s services, such as the Blue Jays, may also target Santander as a fallback option.
- Fan Expectations: Losing Soto would undoubtedly disappoint Yankees fans, and the front office would face pressure to make impactful moves quickly.
A Future Without Soto
If the Yankees fail to sign Soto, their offseason strategy will hinge on building a balanced roster capable of contending in a highly competitive AL East. While Adames and Santander may not match Soto’s star power, their addition would bring power, versatility, and depth to the lineup.
Ultimately, the Yankees’ ability to adapt and pivot in free agency could determine whether they remain contenders in 2025. While losing Soto would sting, a smart offseason featuring players like Adames and Santander could help the team stay on course.
