Why Letting Juan Soto Walk Could Be the Best Move for the Yankees
The Yankees letting Juan Soto walk in free agency might seem like blasphemy to some fans. After all, he's one of the best hitters in baseball and an on-base machine. But what if I told you that the decision to let him go might actually benefit the Yankees in the long run? By reallocating the money that would have gone toward Soto, the Yankees decided to strengthen multiple areas of their roster with players like Cody Bellinger, Paul Goldschmidt, and Devin Williams. Let's break down why this approach makes sense.
The Cost of Keeping Soto
Juan Soto expected to see a contract exceeding $400 million, based on current market trends. While his offensive production is elite, locking up that much payroll in a single player can limit roster flexibility. The Yankees have been down this road before with massive contracts (see Giancarlo Stanton), and while Soto is younger and arguably a better long-term investment, New York would still need to fill other key holes on the roster.
A More Balanced Roster Approach
Instead of pouring all their money into Soto, the Yankees could spread the wealth across multiple impact players. Here’s how they could use that money more effectively:
Cody Bellinger - Outfield Depth and Left-Handed Power
By adding a left-handed power bat that suits Yankee Stadium's dimensions well. While he isn’t as consistent as Soto, he provides defensive versatility, playing both first base and the outfield, and his resurgence at the plate makes him a valuable asset.
Paul Goldschmidt - Veteran First Baseman
Adding Paul Goldschmidt gives the Yankees a steady veteran presence at first base. The 2022 NL MVP still has plenty left in the tank, and his combination of power and defense would be a significant upgrade. Anthony Rizzo’s future is uncertain, and Goldschmidt offers the perfect short-term solution while younger players develop.
Devin Williams - Lockdown Closer
Pitching has been an area of concern for the Yankees, especially in the bullpen. Devin Williams, known for his elite pitching ability, provides a crucial upgrade to the Yankees' bullpen. With his elite changeup and ability to miss bats, he could take over as the primary closer and reduce the workload on other arms.
The Bottom Line
Soto is an elite talent, and losing him is not easy. However, baseball is about roster construction, not just individual stars. By letting Soto walk and spreading the money across multiple impact players, the Yankees are building a more well-rounded team that competes for championships rather than being overly reliant on one player.
Would you rather have one superstar or three All-Star-caliber players who improve multiple areas of the roster? The Yankees have an opportunity to build a sustainable contender—one that doesn’t hinge on a single massive contract.
What do you think, Yankees fans?
