The New York Yankees have reached an agreement with right-handed reliever Jonathan Loáisiga on a one-year contract, including a team option for the 2026 season, according to Jorge Castillo of ESPN. Despite concerns about Loáisiga's health following his internal brace surgery in April, Castillo reports that the pitcher is expected to return to the mound by late April 2025. Levi Luna first reported on X that the two sides were nearing a deal.


Loáisiga, 30, began his professional baseball journey with the San Francisco Giants as an international free agent in 2012. However, his career was marred by injuries, leading to his release by the Giants in 2015. The Yankees picked him up in 2016, but Loáisiga faced further setbacks, including a torn UCL that required Tommy John surgery and sidelined him until June 2017. Upon his return, he was outstanding, posting a 1.38 ERA and 2.17 FIP in 32.2 innings across Rookie Ball and Low-A. His performance earned him high rankings among prospects in New York's farm system.


Although Loáisiga struggled with injuries and inconsistent performance during his first three seasons in the majors (2018-20), his career took a turn for the better when he transitioned to a full-time relief role in 2021. His sinker, now reaching triple digits, became his go-to pitch, complemented by an unhittable curveball. Loáisiga delivered impressive results, finishing the season with a 2.17 ERA and 3.01 SIERA over 70 2/3 innings.


The Yankees' decision to bring back Loáisiga demonstrates their belief in his potential to be a key contributor to their bullpen despite his injury history. With his powerful arsenal and proven track record when healthy, Loáisiga could play a significant role in the Yankees' pitching staff for the upcoming season and beyond.

With former New York Yankees slugger Juan Soto now with the New York Mets, the Yankees face the challenge of filling a significant void in their lineup as they prepare for the 2025 season. One name that has emerged as a potential target is Chicago Cubs outfielder/first baseman Cody Bellinger. However, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, there are substantial obstacles to overcome for the Yankees and Cubs to finalize a deal.

Bellinger is set to earn $27.5 million in 2025 and $25 million in 2026, with an opt-out clause after the 2025 season. The Yankees are reportedly seeking financial assistance from the Cubs to cover part of Bellinger's salary, a condition that Chicago is currently unwilling to meet. This report follows closely on the heels of Heyman's colleague Joel Sherman's revelation that the Cubs are looking to move either Bellinger or Seiya Suzuki, with Sherman highlighting Bellinger as a perfect fit for the Yankees. Cubs president Jed Hoyer recently expressed his expectation that Suzuki will remain with the team, thereby increasing the likelihood of a Bellinger trade.

In the 2024 season, Bellinger hit .266/.325/.426, with 18 home runs and 78 RBIs, and recorded a 2.2 WAR. This marked his second season with the Cubs after starting his career with the Los Angeles Dodgers. As a Dodger, Bellinger achieved considerable success, including two All-Star appearances (2017, 2019), the 2019 NL MVP award, the 2017 NL Rookie of the Year award, and the 2018 NLCS MVP. He also played a key role in the Dodgers' 2020 World Series victory.

For the Yankees, acquiring Bellinger would address their need for a power-hitting lefty with positional versatility, capable of playing both outfield and first base—positions of need for the team.

Alex Bregman, who has spent his entire MLB career with the Houston Astros, is one of the top free agents this offseason. According to MLB's Mark Feinsand, four teams have shown significant interest in the talented third baseman: the Astros, Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, and Detroit Tigers.


The Astros have reportedly offered Bregman a six-year, $156 million deal, but he is seeking a contract closer to $200 million. Bregman's teammates, including Jose Altuve, are hopeful he will return to Houston in 2025, prompting the team to make strategic moves to accommodate his potential return.


If the Red Sox decide to sign Bregman, he would likely transition to second base, allowing Rafael Devers to remain at third base. The Yankees' interest in Bregman has intensified following Juan Soto's signing with the New York Mets. Meanwhile, the Tigers are also keen on acquiring Bregman, though his price tag may be a challenge for Detroit.

The New York Yankees' interest in first baseman Christian Walker, initially reported last month, has gained momentum after Juan Soto's record-breaking $765 million contract with the Mets was finalized. According to Joel Sherman of the New York Post, the Yankees renewed contract discussions with Walker's camp on Sunday evening, coinciding with the announcement of Soto's deal.


The Yankees swiftly shifted their focus to other position-player targets, highlighting their ability to pivot quickly in the market. This shift was evident when they signed pitcher Max Fried to an eight-year, $218 million deal, demonstrating their intent to strengthen the roster further with Soto no longer available. Adding Walker would address both the Yankees' need for first base help and overall lineup enhancement in one move.


Fried's signing also complicates the Yankees' pursuit of Walker or any other free agent who declined a qualifying offer. As New York was a luxury tax payer in 2024 and Fried had rejected the Braves' qualifying offer, the Yankees had to forfeit $1 million in international bonus pool money, as well as their second- and fifth-highest picks in the 2025 draft. Signing Walker would incur similar penalties: another $1 million in international pool funds and their third- and sixth-highest selections.

The New York Yankees have made a significant splash in the free-agent market by agreeing to an eight-year, $218 million contract with left-hander Max Fried, as reported by Jeff Passan of ESPN. The deal, which is pending a physical, includes no deferred money or opt-out clauses and features a full no-trade clause, according to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale and Joel Sherman of The New York Post. The Red Sox and Rangers were the other finalists in the bidding for Fried's services.


After missing out on Juan Soto, the Yankees had financial resources available to secure Fried, one of the top pitchers on the market. MLB Network's Jon Morosi reported that the Yankees were initially willing to offer a seven-year deal, but ultimately extended to eight years to land Fried. This contract sets a new record for the largest deal ever given to a left-handed pitcher in MLB history, outbidding both Boston and Dallas.


Fried has been a standout performer since his first full season in 2019, posting a 3.07 ERA over 824 2/3 innings. His only peer in ERA and innings pitched during that period is Gerrit Cole, who Fried will now join at the top of the Yankees' rotation. This partnership promises to be a formidable duo, bolstering the Yankees' pitching depth significantly.


The Yankees' rotation has had its share of challenges, with Carlos Rodón showing inconsistency in two seasons, Marcus Stroman approaching his mid-30s, and younger arms like Luis Gil and Clarke Schmidt being relatively unproven and injury-prone. Fried’s arrival provides a much-needed stabilizing presence. His career 2.81 ERA ranks third among qualified starters since his breakout, trailing only Brandon Woodruff and Clayton Kershaw. Despite a moderate 23.6% strikeout rate, Fried excels with a low 6.3% walk rate and a high ground-ball rate of 54.2%, a combination that complements Cole's power pitching perfectly.

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Fried's grounder-heavy approach and consistency should be a great fit for the Yankees, providing them with a dependable ace as they aim to build a championship-caliber team for the future. Fans will be eagerly watching how this high-profile acquisition shapes the Yankees' fortunes in the coming seasons. Stay tuned for more updates as the Yankees finalize this landmark signing.

Left-hander Max Fried is one of the top remaining free agents this offseason, and it seems his decision could be coming soon. According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, Fried is expected to choose his next team by Thursday. The Yankees, Red Sox, and Blue Jays are currently seen as the frontrunners in the race to sign the talented southpaw. Additionally, right-hander Corbin Burnes is attracting interest from the same three clubs, with the Giants also in the mix for Burnes, though not for Fried. The Rangers are mentioned as a potential destination for Fried, but this is considered a long shot, while the Angels, like the Giants, are not finalists for Fried.


It's perhaps not surprising that the Yankees, Red Sox, and Blue Jays, who were all finalists in the pursuit of Juan Soto, are now the leading contenders for Fried. The general expectation across the baseball world has been that teams with significant financial resources would focus on Soto until his situation was resolved. Now that Soto has signed a record-breaking 15-year, $765 million deal with the Mets, attention has shifted to other top free agents like Fried.


Each of these three teams is looking to make a big splash this offseason, though their motivations differ. The Yankees recently made it to the World Series but suffered a deflating five-game loss to the Dodgers, highlighting the need for improvements. They also lost last year's major acquisition, Soto, to their crosstown rivals, the Mets. The Red Sox have been reducing payroll in recent years, leading to lackluster results, but they now seem motivated to reassert themselves as major players in the market. The Blue Jays, meanwhile, have consistently performed well in the regular season from 2020 to 2023 but have faced disappointing ends to their campaigns, including narrow playoff misses and early exits. They followed up with a dismal 2024 season, finishing at the bottom of the AL East.

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As Fried's decision looms, it will be intriguing to see which team ultimately secures his services and how this move impacts the competitive landscape in the league. With the Yankees, Red Sox, and Blue Jays all vying for Fried, fans can expect an exciting conclusion to this free agency saga. Stay tuned for updates as we await Fried's final decision and the subsequent ripple effects across MLB.

The New York Yankees are officially moving on from the Juan Soto era in the Bronx after the superstar outfielder opted to join their crosstown rivals, the New York Mets. Soto's departure marks a significant shift for the Yankees, who had high hopes for retaining the 26-year-old talent.


Manager Aaron Boone addressed Soto's departure on Tuesday, expressing the team's disappointment while also acknowledging Soto's right to make the best decision for his career. "Obviously, we wanted the player back. Ownership and the front office did everything we could to make it happen, but it just didn't. That's sports, and ultimately Juan earned the right to be in the position that he's in and he made the decision that he felt was best," Boone stated.


Reflecting on the trade that brought Soto to the Yankees last offseason from the San Diego Padres, Boone had no regrets, despite the acquisition ending up as a one-year rental. "We went into this eyes wide open... I remember making the deal at the winter meetings. We knew there was no guarantee of anything moving forward. I think, as much as it hurt to make the deal with some of the players that we lost, looking back, I feel like it was the right thing to do and served us well. He had an amazing season with us," Boone added.


Despite the setback, Boone is confident that the Yankees can build a competitive roster capable of contending for a championship in 2025. This will require significant moves in free agency and possibly some strategic trades to fill the gap left by Soto's departure. The team's front office is expected to be active in the offseason, seeking to bolster both the lineup and the pitching staff.


As the Yankees navigate this transitional period, the focus remains on assembling a team that can compete at the highest level. The coming weeks and months will be crucial as the Yankees work to strengthen their roster and make the necessary adjustments for the 2025 season. Fans can expect to see some bold moves as the team aims to return to championship contention.

The New York Yankees are actively exploring various options to address the significant gap left by Juan Soto's departure to the Mets on a record-breaking 15-year, $765 million deal. The Yankees' search for a suitable replacement is extensive, but it seems they are not currently considering Pete Alonso, another client of Scott Boras, despite his familiarity with New York.

According to Brendan Kuty of The Athletic, the Yankees have "checked in" on Alonso, but MLB.com's Mark Feinsand reports that Alonso is not a primary target for the team at this time. Instead, the Yankees are reportedly looking at free agent Christian Walker as a potential first baseman.

​Meanwhile, the Mets have not ruled out the possibility of reuniting with Alonso, despite the addition of Soto. Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns expressed the team's interest in bringing Alonso back, acknowledging his significant contributions to the franchise

Reigning American League MVP Aaron Judge is set to move back to his longtime position in right field for the 2025 season, according to MLB.com's Bryan Hoch. Although Judge played almost exclusively in center field during the 2024 season to accommodate Juan Soto, Soto's departure to the New York Mets on a record-breaking deal has paved the way for Judge to return to his familiar spot.


"We're not afraid to run [Judge] out in center like we've done, but I think it makes sense to have him over in right," Yankees GM Brian Cashman said Monday, as relayed by Hoch. Cashman suggested that moving Judge back to right field opens up a "clear lane" for top outfield prospect Jasson Dominguez to compete for the starting center field job in Spring Training. However, Cashman also noted that he isn't ready to officially name the 21-year-old as the club's starter for the next season.


If the Yankees decide to send Dominguez back to Triple-A, where he has performed well but has only 53 total games under his belt, they still have several options to keep Judge in right field. One internal solution is Trent Grisham, who the club avoided arbitration with last month by agreeing to a $5 million contract. Although Grisham was primarily used as a bench player after being acquired from the Padres alongside Soto last winter, he has the experience to fill in at center field when needed.


The 28-year-old Grisham appeared in 76 games last year, often as a late-inning defensive replacement or to give Judge a break when he was designated hitter. Despite receiving just 209 plate appearances last season, Grisham was an everyday player for the Padres in the previous four seasons, showcasing his capability to step up if required.

On Sunday morning, between 9:30 and 10 a.m., New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman submitted the team's final contract offer for superstar outfielder Juan Soto. This offer would have made history as the richest deal in North American professional sports.


However, Cashman soon discovered it wasn't enough. That night, Scott Boras, Soto's agent, informed him that Soto had decided to sign with the New York Mets instead.


Cashman then had the difficult task of informing Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner and president Randy Levine that Soto had turned down the Yankees' 16-year, $760 million offer for a slightly better deal with the Mets.


"Hal Steinbrenner really stepped up to find a way to retain Juan Soto, and I'm certainly proud of his efforts," Cashman said Monday at the Hilton Anatole, the site of this year's winter meetings. "Certainly went well beyond what I would have expected."


A few minutes later, on the other side of the hotel, Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns declined to comment on Soto, as the agreement was not yet official.


Cashman acknowledged the efforts made to keep Soto in pinstripes, stating, "I would just say Hal went above and beyond to try to find a way to keep Juan Soto in pinstripes and continue to keep him a part of our mix as we move forward and take our shot. But there's a lot of different ways to figure this thing out, and so we're just going to have to figure it out a different way."


When asked if Soto going to the Mets made the loss sting more, Cashman responded, "I'd rather him not be in the American League East. I guess, you know, pick your poison. Ultimately, listen, the Mets got a great player. So, congratulations to them."

Just a day after the New York Mets and Yankees finished competing for the top free agent, they're now vying for the winter's most sought-after trade candidate: White Sox left-hander Garrett Crochet. Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon of The Athletic report that the New York teams are currently the most aggressive suitors.


While the Red Sox and Phillies have also shown interest in Crochet, they seem to be trailing the New York teams for the moment. Jon Morosi of MLB Network mentioned the Brewers' interest in Crochet, but The Athletic's report does not include Milwaukee. As of now, no team appears close to finalizing a deal.


Crochet, 25, managed to stay healthy in his first full season as a starter. The White Sox limited his workload after failing to secure a trade at the deadline. Although they didn't shut him down or skip his turns in the rotation, they shortened his starts towards the end of the year. He finished the season with 146 innings across 32 appearances, boasting impressive stats—he struck out 35.1% of batters faced while maintaining an excellent 5.5% walk rate. However, his 3.58 ERA didn't fully reflect his dominant performance, partly due to pitching in front of one of the league's weakest defensive teams, which resulted in an elevated .318 average on balls in play against him.

With Juan Soto choosing the Mets, the New York Yankees are heading back to the drawing board this offseason. Despite missing their top target and clear Plan A, the franchise remains determined to strengthen their roster. General manager Brian Cashman reassured reporters on Monday that the team plans to stay aggressive in free agency, though they won't be making any rash decisions.


"We're not going to be drunken sailors," Cashman said, as quoted by Bryan Hoch of MLB.com.


The Yankees reportedly offered Soto a 16-year, $760 million contract, which he turned down in favor of the Mets' deal. It’s well known that the Yankees were major contenders in the Soto sweepstakes until the very end. With the star outfielder now off the table, fans are eagerly anticipating some significant acquisitions to fill the void.


To that end, the Yankees have already begun exploring other options. They have reportedly held meetings with top free-agent pitchers like Corbin Burnes and Max Fried. Additionally, they will need to bolster their lineup with top position players still on the market, such as Pete Alonso, Anthony Santander, and Teoscar Hernandez. Cashman emphasized that the team will continue to take an aggressive stance as free agency progresses and the winter meetings continue.


While missing out on Soto is a major setback for the Yankees, landing some other key signings could help soften the blow. The organization and its fans are hopeful that strategic moves this offseason will position the team for success in the coming season.

The free-agent market is buzzing with interest in outfielder Anthony Santander, particularly from the Toronto Blue Jays, New York Yankees, and Boston Red Sox. Jon Morosi of MLB.com reports that these three teams, having recently missed out on Juan Soto, are now turning their attention to Santander.


The connection makes sense, as all three clubs are looking to strengthen their outfield after falling short in the Soto sweepstakes. Soto was the crown jewel of this winter's free-agent outfield market, towering above the rest of the available players. With Soto now off the board, teams are pivoting to other high-impact options like Santander, Teoscar Hernández, Jurickson Profar, Tyler O’Neill, and Michael Conforto. Notably, O’Neill and Conforto have already signed, leaving Santander as a prime target.


Santander, 30, may not match Soto's youth or plate discipline, but his power is undeniable. Over the past three seasons, he has consistently hit at least 28 home runs per year, including a remarkable 44 homers in the most recent campaign. This brings his total to 105 home runs from 2022-24. His .244/.317/.478 batting line over that period translates to a 124 wRC+, indicating he was 24% better than the league average. Additionally, his 8.5% walk rate is league average, while his 20.5% strikeout rate is slightly better than average.


It's no surprise that Santander is attracting significant interest given his production. His ability to switch-hit without strong platoon splits adds to his appeal. As a righty against lefties, he hit .239/.309/.513 in 2024 for a 132 wRC+. Against righties, he posted a .225/.306/.488 line for a 123 wRC+. Over his career, he has a 111 wRC+ against lefties and 116 against righties, showcasing his versatility.

The New York Yankees had made it clear that retaining superstar outfielder Juan Soto was their top priority this offseason. Managing general partner Hal Steinbrenner even went on a cross-country journey for a two-hour chat with Soto and his agent, Scott Boras, in hopes of securing Soto's future in the Bronx. The Yankees were prepared to dive deep into their financial resources to keep Soto, who played a pivotal role in their first World Series appearance in 15 years.

As the offseason progressed, and with several other clubs showing significant interest in Soto, the Yankees realized they couldn't afford to be unprepared. Quietly, the front office began formulating a "Plan B." This backup plan was set into motion late on Sunday when Soto agreed to a record-breaking 15-year, $765 million contract with the New York Mets.

While the Yankees waited for Soto's decision, they explored alternative options, including virtual calls with free-agent pitchers Corbin Burnes and Max Fried. Both hurlers now could become top targets for the Yankees, along with other free-agent players such as first basemen Pete Alonso or Christian Walker, outfielders Teoscar Hernández or Anthony Santander, closer Tanner Scott, or potentially a trade for the Cubs' Cody Bellinger.

At a minimum, the Yankees' offseason shopping list includes:

- A first baseman
- Another infielder (potentially a second baseman, unless Jazz Chisholm Jr. shifts there)
- Two outfielders
- Rotation help
- Relief arms

The Yankees faced stiff competition for Soto from the Red Sox, Blue Jays, and Dodgers, but their most significant threat came from Steve Cohen and the Mets. Now that Soto has crossed borough lines, the Yankees must pivot to their contingency plans and make the necessary moves to bolster their roster for the upcoming season.

With Juan Soto's record-shattering deal with the New York Mets now official, the focus of the free agent market is shifting. Among the top beneficiaries of the increased aggressiveness from teams that missed out on Soto could be third baseman Alex Bregman. According to Rob Bradford of WEEI, the Red Sox are "immediately prioritizing" a pursuit of Bregman, while USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reports that the Yankees are also expected to make a run at free agency's top infielder.


The Red Sox, who were previously reported as potential suitors for Bregman, appear to have intensified their interest following Soto's signing. Adding the 30-year-old veteran to their roster makes sense for Boston, as Bregman would provide a right-handed bat to balance their heavily left-handed lineup. Bregman boasts a career .277/.367/.494 slash line against left-handed pitchers, which would be a valuable asset for the team.


Moreover, the Red Sox have a crowded outfield, making the infield an obvious place to strengthen their lineup. While they have focused on pitching help so far this offseason, missing out on Soto may lead them to invest in Bregman instead.


The Yankees, too, are eyeing Bregman as they look to bolster their roster. With Soto off the table, Bregman represents a top-tier option to enhance their infield and overall lineup strength.


As the offseason progresses, the competition for Bregman will be fierce. Both the Red Sox and Yankees are known for their willingness to spend big to secure top talent, setting the stage for an exciting bidding war.

The New York Yankees have been dealt a tough blow after losing out on superstar outfielder Juan Soto to the New York Mets. Soto's historic 15-year, $765 million contract with the Mets has left Yankees fans reeling, but the team is already looking to pivot and make the most of their offseason.


With the significant financial commitment to Soto now off the table, the Yankees are expected to aggressively pursue other top-tier free agents. According to reports, the Yankees are in talks with several impact players, including starting pitcher Jack Flaherty and left-hander Max Fried. Flaherty, who went 13-7 with a 3.17 ERA last season, could bolster the Yankees' rotation depth. Fried, coming off an 11-10 season with a 3.25 ERA, would be a strong addition as well.

In addition to bolstering their pitching staff, the Yankees are also looking to add another bat to their lineup. Names like Teoscar Hernandez and Christian Walker have been mentioned as potential targets. The Yankees' goal is to create a more well-rounded roster that can compete at the highest level.

While losing Soto is undoubtedly a disappointment, the Yankees' aggressive approach to free agency could help them build a formidable team for the upcoming season. Yankees fans can expect the front office to remain active and creative as they look to fill the gaps left by Soto's departure.

According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, Max Fried, one of the top free-agent starting pitchers this offseason, is expected to sign with either the New York Yankees or the Boston Red Sox. Both of these powerhouse teams have shown strong interest in securing top-tier pitching talent and have also been linked to pursuing superstar outfielder Juan Soto.


If Soto signs elsewhere, it could set the stage for a heated bidding war between the Yankees and Red Sox for Fried's services. This dynamic suggests that the competition for Fried could become even more intense.


Fried has built an impressive resume over an eight-year career with the Atlanta Braves, including two seasons finishing in the top five of the National League Cy Young Award voting, two All-Star selections, and a World Series title in 2021. His performance since 2019 has been particularly noteworthy, with a 3.06 ERA and a 1.14 WHIP across 824 2/3 innings.


Despite his success, Fried has reportedly "priced himself out of Atlanta," according to Nightengale. Both Fried and fellow free-agent ace Corbin Burnes are expected to command contracts exceeding $200 million. This high valuation underscores the demand for elite pitching talent in the current market.


The potential signing of Fried by either the Yankees or Red Sox would significantly bolster their pitching rotations, adding a proven frontline starter capable of making a substantial impact. As the offseason progresses, all eyes will be on which team can secure this coveted ace.

The New York Yankees are reportedly interested in signing infielder Thairo Estrada, according to a report by MLB.com's Mark Feinsand. This makes the Yankees the second team known to be pursuing Estrada, with the Colorado Rockies also showing interest earlier this week.


Estrada, who was originally signed by the Yankees as an international free agent in 2012, played 61 games for New York during the 2019-2020 seasons. However, it was not until his trade to the San Francisco Giants in April 2021 that he began to establish himself as a productive Major Leaguer, posting a .266/.320/.416 slash line over 1,203 plate appearances from 2021 to 2023.


Unfortunately, Estrada's performance took a downturn in 2024. Plagued by wrist problems, he struggled to a .217/.247/.343 batting line in 381 plate appearances, leading to his removal from the Giants' 40-man roster in late August. His walk rate of just 2.6% was the second-lowest in the Majors among players with at least 350 plate appearances, highlighting his struggles to get on base.


Given his recent form, Estrada is not expected to be a starting candidate for the Yankees. However, his versatility makes him an intriguing option for a part-time or bench role. Primarily a second baseman, Estrada has also spent time at shortstop, third base, and in the outfield. His right-handed bat could complement left-handed hitter Jazz Chisholm Jr., who is anticipated to start at either second or third base for the Yankees.

The free agency of superstar Juan Soto has taken an unexpected turn, with bidding reportedly surpassing the $700 million mark. Jon Heyman of the New York Post revealed that both the New York Yankees and New York Mets have escalated their offers to the $710-730 million range as Soto's free agency draws to a close. While it's believed that the Mets have placed the higher bid, the offers from both clubs are within the same range.

Despite the record-setting offers from the New York teams, the Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, and Los Angeles Dodgers remain in contention and have not been eliminated from the sweepstakes. Soto's contract is expected to exceed the net present value of Shohei Ohtani's $461 million deal with the Dodgers, which included significant deferrals.

Soto's exceptional performance and youth make him an incredibly attractive prospect. At just 26 years old, he has already been a four-time All-Star and two-time MVP finalist. His consistent excellence at the plate, with a career wRC+ of over 140, has not been seen since Alex Rodriguez's free agency over two decades ago.

​As the bidding war continues, all five known finalists—the Yankees, Mets, Red Sox, Blue Jays, and Dodgers—remain in the mix. Soto is expected to make his decision within the next couple of days, and it remains to be seen whether he will choose the highest bidder or be swayed by other factors.

Despite a challenging 2024 season, second baseman Thairo Estrada is garnering attention on the free agent market. The 28-year-old batted .217/.247/.343 with nine home runs over 96 games for the San Francisco Giants last season. While these numbers may not typically turn heads, Estrada's past offensive performances suggest potential value, and he remains at an age where decline is not a major concern.

According to MLB.com's Mark Feinsand, the New York Yankees are among the teams showing interest in Estrada. The Yankees might be considering him for a utility role, which seems the most likely scenario, or as a possible replacement for second baseman Gleyber Torres, who is also a free agent this offseason.

In addition, MLB.com's Thomas Harding has linked the Colorado Rockies to Estrada, indicating a broader interest in the infielder's services.

​'Estrada's previous strong track record and versatility make him an intriguing option for teams looking to bolster their infield depth. As the free agency period progresses, it will be interesting to see where Estrada lands and how he can contribute to his new team's success.

Willy Adames, known for his consistency at shortstop, has primarily played this position throughout his MLB career, apart from a brief stint at second base during his debut season in 2018. Now, at 29, there are indications that Adames might be open to switching positions if the right opportunity arises. The New York Yankees appear interested in exploring this possibility.


According to MLB.com's Mark Feinsand, Adames is a top free-agent option for the Yankees, especially if they are unable to re-sign Juan Soto. MLB Network insider Jon Paul Morosi further reported that if the Yankees manage to secure Adames, they plan to utilize him as their third baseman. This strategic move would allow Anthony Volpe to remain at shortstop while Jazz Chisholm Jr. would transition to second base, a position he frequently played with the Marlins from 2020 to 2022.


The Yankees' interest in Adames signifies their intention to bolster their infield with experienced talent. Adames' flexibility and willingness to adapt could prove beneficial for the team, potentially strengthening their defensive lineup and adding a powerful bat to their roster. 


As the free agency period progresses, the Yankees' pursuit of Adames will be a storyline to watch. His potential shift to third base could reshape the team's infield dynamics and contribute significantly to their competitive edge in the upcoming season.

As the MLB offseason heats up, Juan Soto's impending free agency decision has created a bottleneck, influencing the strategies of several teams, including the New York Yankees and Chicago Cubs. Soto's choice will undoubtedly shape various potential trade scenarios across the league.

One player caught in this ripple effect is Cody Bellinger, who has emerged as a potential trade target. Reports suggest that teams missing out on Soto, such as the Yankees, could shift their focus to Bellinger. The Yankees have long shown interest in the left-handed slugger, and with Yankee Stadium's short right-field porch, Bellinger seems a natural fit.

Despite a decline in his power numbers since his MVP peak, Bellinger could find the perfect setting for a resurgence in the Bronx. The Yankees, known for their willingness to spend big, are frontrunners in the Soto sweepstakes. However, if another team secures Soto, the Yankees may need to quickly pivot to their Plan B.

For Bellinger, this pivot could mean an opportunity to don the pinstripes. Bryan Hoch ofMLB.comnoted that there was buzz last winter about bringing Bellinger's left-handed swing to Yankee Stadium, a buzz that dissipated after the Soto trade. Bellinger is set to earn $27.5 million this coming year, with a $25 million option (and a $5 million buyout) for 2026. Analytics suggest his power would improve in the Bronx, and his center-field defense is rated higher than Aaron Judge's. Additionally, Bellinger could provide valuable support at first base.

​As the offseason progresses, the decisions of superstars like Soto will continue to ripple through the league, potentially reshaping the rosters and strategies of teams vying for championship contention. The Yankees' pursuit of Soto and subsequent moves will be closely watched, with fans eager to see how the team navigates this critical period.

The New York Yankees and San Francisco Giants are among several teams reportedly interested in signing Willy Adames, as noted by Mark Feinsand ofMLB.com.Adames, regarded as one of the market's top shortstops, has also garnered interest from the Houston Astros, Philadelphia Phillies, Toronto Blue Jays, Atlanta Braves, and Boston Red Sox this offseason.

For the Yankees, their primary focus remains on re-signing star outfielder Juan Soto. The decision on whether Soto will remain in the Bronx or accept a massive $600 million-plus offer elsewhere is expected within the next few days. Should Soto choose to leave, both owner Hal Steinbrenner and GM Brian Cashman will face significant pressure to secure top-tier talent from the remaining pool of free agents.

Adames and Alex Bregman are seen as the next-best position players available, with potential contracts in the $150-200 million range. While Bregman might fit more naturally position-wise, lingering tensions from his involvement in the 2017 sign-stealing scandal could deter the Yankees. Adames, on the other hand, comes without such baggage and might be a more appealing option.

​Despite Anthony Volpe's strong defensive presence at shortstop, the Yankees are considering Adames, who is open to changing positions if necessary. The infield is otherwise unsettled, with Jazz Chisholm Jr. potentially playing second or third base. Current third base options like DJ LeMahieu, Oswaldo Cabrera, and prospect Caleb Durbin might not be sufficient for a team aiming for World Series contention. Adames' athleticism and arm strength suggest he could transition effectively to third base, despite limited experience at the position.

Yankees outfielder Everson Pereira, infielder Jorbit Vivas, and Mets right-hander Max Kranick are eligible for a fourth option year, according to a report by Joel Sherman of the New York Post. They join Red Sox right-hander Cooper Criswell, with more players expected to be named throughout the offseason.

When a player is added to the 40-man roster, they generally have three seasons in which they can be optioned to the minors. If a player spends at least 20 days in the minors during a season, it counts as one of those three option years. However, under specific circumstances, a player can qualify for a fourth option year.

A fourth option is granted if a player uses up their three option years before completing five professional seasons. MLB defines a professional season as one where a player spends at least 90 days on an MLB or minor league active roster. This rule often affects players who spend several years in the minors before being added to the 40-man roster.

Pereira and Vivas joined their respective 40-man rosters in the 2021-22 offseason and have been optioned each year since. Before 2021, neither completed a full professional season, as they spent 2017-19 in complexes or short-season affiliates without reaching the 90-day threshold. Additionally, the canceled 2020 minor league season did not count as a professional year. Consequently, Vivas has logged four professional seasons (2021-24), while Pereira completed a full minor league campaign only in 2022.

Kranick joined the Mets' 40-man roster after the 2020 season, having already accrued two professional seasons. His third season was in 2021, but he spent the majority of the 2022-23 seasons on the injured list due to forearm issues and Tommy John surgery. He returned to health in 2024, marking his fourth professional season.

​The eligibility for a fourth option means these players can be reassigned to the minors without needing to clear waivers, providing their teams with roster flexibility. While Vivas and Kranick may be on the 40-man roster bubble, the extra option is particularly beneficial for Pereira. The former top prospect, who underwent elbow surgery last June, can now be sent back to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre for further evaluation without the risk of being exposed to waivers.

Christian Walker, a marquee first baseman, is set to be a hot commodity in free agency this offseason. Though his contract likely won't match that of Pete Alonso due to age differences—Walker is 33, four years older than Alonso—his recent performance makes him highly desirable. Walker hit 26 home runs in 130 games last season, maintaining an OPS above .800 for the third consecutive year, and won his third straight Gold Glove.

The New York Yankees are among the teams interested in Walker. However, MLB Network insider Jon Paul Morosi has identified another potential suitor: the Seattle Mariners. During Wednesday's edition of Hot Stove, Morosi remarked, "I think for [Walker] on a three- or maybe even a four-year deal, with the defensive value that he brings and the power, I think Walker and the Mariners, that is one of the pairings that I'm watching very carefully potentially in the days ahead."

The Mariners had solid production from their first basemen this season, with their 115 wRC+ ranking eighth-best at the position. Yet, their top producers—Justin Turner, who is now a free agent, and Luke Raley, primarily an outfielder—leave room for an upgrade. While Alonso has outpaced Walker in home runs over the past three seasons (120 to 95), Walker's defensive prowess sets him apart. Walker's defensive metrics, as measured by outs above average, are vastly superior to Alonso's (36 to minus-16).

​As the offseason progresses, both the Yankees and Mariners will be closely watching Walker, whose blend of power and defense makes him an attractive option for teams looking to bolster their first base position.