Soto turned down a reported 16-year, $760 million offer from the Yankees to play for the crosstown Mets. Losing Soto added to what was already an extensive shopping list as the Yankees had numerous holes to address.
General manager Brian Cashman did not waste time once Soto made his decision. Starting pitcher Max Fried agreed to an eight-year, $218 million contract last Tuesday. Starting pitcher Nestor Cortes and infield prospect Caleb Durbin were sent to Milwaukee for closer Devin Williams. On Tuesday, the Yankees continued adding to the roster, acquiring outfielder Cody Bellinger from the Cubs. Bob Nightengale from USA Today reported that Bellinger will return to center, moving Judge back to right field.
Those moves may not have happened if Soto signed with the Yankees. In May, owner Hal Steinbrenner said that the Yankees’ payroll at the time was “not sustainable” for the franchise. Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News reported that while Steinbrenner reiterated that statement last month, he did say the Yankees can sign any player they want. However, his statements seemingly indicate that there is a line the Yankees will not cross, and Soto may have pushed those limits.
Losing Soto also set up a domino effect. Adding Fried gave the Yankees the flexibility to include Cortes in the trade for Williams. Bellinger is due another $52.5 million in the next two years if he does not opt out after the 2025 season; the Cubs are only paying $5 million of that salary. The Yankees are still in the market for free agents such as Pete Alonso and Christian Walker. They are in a position to build a better, deeper roster, and it may be due to Soto heading elsewhere.