What’s next for Yankees after Juan Soto trade? Yoshinobu Yamamoto, trade options remain

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Brian Cashman was calm. Clad in a blue button-up shirt, a black half-zip and glasses with thick, amber-colored rims, the New York Yankees normal supervisor spoke with ease to reporters on Tuesday, generally leaning again towards the wall behind him. He didn’t appear on the verge of rocking the Winter Meetings.

But between a trade with the rival Boston Red Sox for Alex Verdugo later that evening and pulling off the biggest move of the offseason to this point when the Yankees acquired celebrity Juan Soto from the San Diego Padres on Wednesday evening, Cashman did simply that.

“Ultimately,” he stated. “I think we have a chance to be a really good team with some really good moves. So that’s the goal.”

But now what? Yes, Cashman addressed what he referred to as the Yankees’ largest want by not simply filling the group’s holes within the outfield — Aaron Judge appears likely to shift from right field to center field, with Soto in proper and Verdugo in left. But in Verdugo and Soto, he additionally added a pair of lefty bats the Yankees so badly wanted to stability a lineup that was too right-handed and completed simply twenty fifth in runs scored final season. The weak offense, made worse by quite a few accidents, was a big reason the Yankees went 82-80 and missed the playoffs for the primary time in eight years.

The Yankees aren’t completed but. Here’s what could possibly be coming next.

YamaSoto?

The Yankees have made it clear they’re going to be all in on Japanese right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto, extensively thought-about to be the most effective pitcher (not named Shohei Ohtani) on the free-agent market. Yamamoto, 25, has received the Eiji Sawamura Award — Nippon Professional Baseball’s equal of the Cy Young Award — for three straight seasons. Over seven seasons, he has a profession 1.72 ERA, and he has strikeout stuff (9.2 Okay/9) and limits walks (2.0 BB/9). The Athletic’s Jim Bowden has predicted that Yamamoto will wind up with a seven-year, $211-million deal, however with curiosity in him so intense, the number could skyrocket.

The Yankees are anticipated to fulfill with Yamamoto on Monday, and it’s believed group representatives might be flying to him in Southern California, in accordance with an individual with information of the membership’s personnel selections. The individual spoke on the situation of anonymity as a result of he wasn’t approved to talk publicly. General supervisor Brian Cashman and considered one of his high advisors, Omar Minaya, traveled to Japan to observe Yamamoto pitch in August, and the righty threw a no-hitter in front of them. Cashman stated the Yankees had a rep at each considered one of Yamamoto’s begins final season, and that he made the journey himself as a result of he needed the Yankees’ curiosity to be clear.

“It was with the perspective that he might be posted,” Cashman stated, “and leaving no stone unturned and I wanted to go over there and pay respects and he knew we were there. It was widely covered. I think a lot of teams went over there with their executives and I certainly wasn’t going to make the mistake of not being one of the executives to go over there, too. I think all of it plays a part. … I’d rather put our best foot forward in every day, and not just here’s what our offer is and leave it like that.”

Brian Cashman spoke glowingly of his expertise watching Yoshinobu Yamamoto. (Eric Espada / Getty Images)

The Yankees didn’t give out Yamamoto’s favourite uniform quantity — No. 18 — final season, saving it for him. Also, Cashman stated he saved the ticket stub from Yamamoto’s no-hitter, which he’ll absolutely current to the right-hander when the Yankees’ contingent meets with him.

If the Yankees are assured they will signal Yamamoto, it makes buying and selling Michael King within the Soto deal that a lot simpler to swallow.

Identifying trade chips

While Gleyber Torres’ identify has floated in rumors for the final two seasons — and despite the fact that he’s due roughly $15 million next season through arbitration — Cashman stated the Yankees had second base “covered.” That appears to indicate that the Yankees received’t be trying to trade Torres, who was maybe the group’s second-best hitter final season.

That would maybe depart shortstop Oswald Peraza as a lovely trade chip. Peraza, 23, ranked because the Yankees’ No. 3 general prospect going into final season, in accordance with The Athletic’s Keith Law. He’s a slick fielder who has proven pop within the minors however hasn’t hit a lot within the majors. He additionally hasn’t gotten a lot of an opportunity to play on daily basis within the bigs. The Yankees might make Peraza their utility infielder, or they might look to maneuver him.

Another potential trade candidate: Everson Pereira, the 22-year-old outfielder. He was the No. 51 prospect within the recreation in Law’s midseason replace. He’s bought spectacular bat pace, energy and athleticism, however he strikes out lots and he hit simply .151 in his 27-game debut final season. With Soto and Verdugo round, there’s little house for Pereira, although he might function a powerful alternative ought to somebody get harm.

Other potential trade chips embody utility man Oswaldo Cabrera and extremely regarded pitching prospects Chase Hampton, Will Warren and Clayton Beeter, although the Yankees will want all of the pitching depth they will get contemplating they surrendered 4 pitchers within the Soto deal.

Identifying wants

On Tuesday, Cashman stated the Yankees additionally had third base determined internally. On Wednesday, supervisor Aaron Boone stated the job would fall to DJ LeMahieu. But what about catcher? The group speaks glowingly about Jose Trevino, and he appears the doubtless Opening Day starter. But will catching prospect Austin Wells, a lefty hitter, function his backup/platoon companion?

Without King, the Yankees have 4 rotation spots determined: Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón, Nestor Cortes and Clarke Schmidt. Cashman stated he’s been in contact with agent Scott Boras when he was requested a couple of potential Frankie Montas reunion. The group will certainly carry in additional swingman-type depth. Perhaps if the Yankees fall out of the Yamamoto sweepstakes, they might flip their consideration towards Corbin Burnes, whom it’s doubtless the Brewers have on the trade block.

The Yankees even have remained in touch with the agent for lefty reliever Wandy Peralta in case of a possible reunion. The group may even look for different bullpen upgrades. Though Scott Effross will return after lacking all of 2023 on account of Tommy John surgical procedure, they’ll doubtless need to improve the again of a bullpen that presently options Ron Marinaccio and Matt Krook.

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(Top picture of Juan Soto: Duane Burleson / Getty Images)