Brian Cashman, the general manager of the New York Yankees, recently addressed several topics during a media session. One noteworthy point he made was that he doesn’t believe outfielder Juan Soto or infielder Gleyber Torres will receive contract extensions, as both players are set to become free agents soon. Cashman also mentioned that the team is still open to making roster additions, with a particular focus on pitching.
Cashman expressed his thoughts on Soto’s situation, stating, “It’s highly likely that he will become a free agent after this season.” This assessment aligns with the information available to the public and makes logical sense. Soto, despite being only 25 years old, has already established himself as an elite player in the major leagues, boasting impressive statistics and consistent performance. While most free agents reach that status around the age of 30, Soto is on track to enter free agency at a much younger age, specifically around his 26th birthday in October.
Despite his youth, Soto has already hit 160 home runs in 779 games, showcasing his power at the plate. He also possesses an exceptional ability to draw walks, often outperforming his strikeout rate. His overall batting line of .284/.421/.524 translates to a wRC+ of 154, and he has never posted a wRC+ below 143 in any given season. With his combination of youth and talent, it has long been expected that Soto would eventually reach free agency. In 2022, while playing for the Washington Nationals, Soto reportedly turned down a $440 million extension offer, leading to his trade to the San Diego Padres.
The Yankees acquired Soto and Trent Grisham from the Padres this offseason, likely aware that it would be a short-term arrangement. Cashman’s recent comments further confirm this expectation. As Soto moves closer to free agency, his value has only increased since rejecting the lucrative extension offer. This makes it highly unlikely that the Yankees can prevent him from exploring the open market. While they will have the opportunity to pursue him in free agency, they will face stiff competition from other teams in what is expected to be a highly competitive market.
Regarding Gleyber Torres, it was previously reported in November that the Yankees had not engaged in any extension talks with him. When asked about the possibility, Torres responded with a wishful “I wish.” Cashman recently confirmed that no extension discussions have taken place. Torres has been a solid contributor for the Yankees, hitting 123 home runs in his 734 games thus far. His batting line of .267/.334/.454 corresponds to a wRC+ of 116. While his defense at second base has been inconsistent, with poor ratings in the previous season, the team believes they can easily transition to a post-Torres era.
A potential replacement for Torres could be Oswald Peraza, who was considered a top 100 prospect before losing his rookie status last year. However, Peraza’s natural position at shortstop is currently occupied by Anthony Volpe. Peraza still has one remaining option year and could potentially take over at second base when Torres becomes a free agent. Additionally, the Yankees have versatile players like Oswaldo Cabrera and DJ LeMahieu who can contribute at that position.
Cashman also addressed the rest of the roster, stating that the team is not done making moves. He acknowledged that pitching remains a concern. The projected starting rotation includes Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón, Marcus Stroman, Nestor Cortes, and Clarke Schmidt. While this rotation looks promising, injuries have been a significant issue for Rodón, Cortes, and Stroman in the past. Furthermore, the Yankees traded away four potential starting pitchers in the Soto deal, reducing their depth.
It would make sense for the team to add to their pitching staff, but financial constraints may limit their options. Currently, the Yankees’ competitive balance tax number exceeds the top tier limit. As a result, any additional spending would be subject to a 110% tax. With five rotation spots already filled and the added financial burden of future signings, the team may opt for depth signings on minor league contracts. However, unforeseen injuries can always alter their approach.
According to the Source mlbtraderumors.com