Juan Soto was taken off the board on Saturday night, making him one of the Yankees’ strongest backup alternatives in free agency if they miss out.
Shortstop Willy Adames agreed to a $182 million, seven-year contract with the San Francisco Giants. Adames’ deal, the largest contract in Giants history, was initially reported by ESPN’s Jeff Passan.
The Yankees were reportedly interested in Adames earlier this week, according to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com. The Yankees could have made it work by utilizing Adames to cover one of their other infield openings, but it wasn’t necessarily an ideal fit because they also had Anthony Volpe at shortstop. The Brewers had just finished a career season with the free agent.
The Yankees might have moved Jazz Chisholm Jr. to second base and moved Adames to third base. According to reports, Adames was open to switching places in free agency if the appropriate circumstances and offer came along.
The Giants, Braves, and Dodgers were the teams that actively pursued Adames during his free agency, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post. Heyman stated that although the Yankees adore Adames, they currently have other priorities.
Soto, who is anticipated to make his free agency decision soon, is that priority. The Winter Meetings are scheduled to start in Dallas on Sunday, so he might choose a team this weekend.
Soto is reportedly being courted by the Yankees, Mets, Red Sox, Blue Jays, and Dodgers. According to reports, offers for the generational outfielder have surpassed the $600 million threshold, and many anticipate that Soto’s final contract will exceed $700 million.
The Yankees will need to make a swift change and implement their best backup plan if Soto decides to sign with one of those other expensive candidates. Since Adames is no longer available, the Yankees have also been linked to first baseman Christian Walker, third baseman Alex Bregman, and first baseman Pete Alonso. The Yankees are also considering acquiring Cubs outfielder and first baseman Cody Bellinger, although that would necessitate a trade. According to reports, Chicago is committed to cutting Bellinger in winter.
You may contact Max Goodman at [email protected].
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