The New York Yankees won just 82 games this season and missed the postseason for the first time since 2016.
Their biggest problem was scoring runs: a mediocre offense really struggled when Aaron Judge went down for almost two months in June.
24 of the remaining 29 teams scored more runs than the Yankees, which is really telling.
To bolster their lineup, the Yanks have been looking at several alternatives.
According to SNY’s Andy Martino, they already knocked on the San Diego Padres’ door regarding one of their best players.
“The Yankees have had a preliminary conversation with the Padres about Juan Soto, per @martinonyc,” Talkin’ Yanks tweeted.
The Yankees have had a preliminary conversation with the Padres about Juan Soto, per @martinonyc pic.twitter.com/24Kjtl3Quw
— Talkin’ Yanks (@TalkinYanks) October 25, 2023
Getting Juan Soto would be a coup for the offense-starved Yankees, even though it would be just for one year.
He is scheduled to hit free agency after the 2024 World Series and has been unwilling to really engage in extension talks, choosing to test the market instead and maximize his earnings.
Still, there is the chance he loves his time in the Bronx and signs there for the long haul, but it would be a gamble for the Yankees.
The Padres would still ask for some of New York’s top prospects, but the fact the Yankees are already kicking the tires on a potential deal is significant.
Soto would go a long way in improving their lineup.
In 2023, he slashed .275/.410/.519 with 35 home runs, 109 RBI, 132 walks, and a .930 OPS.
It was one of his finest seasons in recent memory, and he just turned 25.
With the short porch in Yankee Stadium, the lefty-hitting Soto would feast.
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