The outcome of the Juan Soto sweepstakes will have a big impact on how the New York Yankees spend the remainder of the summer. General manager Brian Cashman needs a new first baseman regardless of the result. Would Cody Bellinger, a slugger for the Chicago Cubs, be a good fit?

Last spring, Bellinger inked a three-year contract worth $80 million. This winter, he had the opportunity to test free agency one more by opting out, but he chose not to. There have been speculations that Chicago is interested in dealing for the 2019 National League MVP Award winner, who will receive $27.5 million in 2025.

The left-handed slugger’s skill set complements New York’s roster, which is why he has been connected to the Yankees several times in the past. That still holds true in this case. Bellinger might be the Bombers’ main first baseman if Soto is re-signed. However, Bellinger might take over as the main center fielder if Soto leaves, freeing Aaron Judge to play right field.

If Cashman attempted to get Bellinger to the Bronx, how might a possible deal between New York and Chicago look? Zach Pressnell of FanSided revealed the following fictitious trade: The Yankees get a first baseman and an outfielder. Bellinger, Cody

– Cubs acquire: Before joining the Yankees in 2024, right-handed pitchers Marcus Stroman, Brock Selvidge, and Trystan Vrieling Stroman were all Cubs players from 2022–2023.

In 154 2/3 innings pitched for New York, he recorded a 4.31 ERA, although he also did not pitch during the postseason. According to MLB.com, Selvidge (ranked seventh) and Vrieling (ranked 28th) were among the Bombers’ top 30 prospects at the end of the season.

In a $645 million deal, Juan Soto is expected to leave the Yankees for a rival.

The top free agent on the market, Juan Soto, an outfielder for the New York Yankees, is expected to leave the Bronx.

Since visiting with teams, Soto and his manager Scott Boras have attracted interest from a number of teams. A decision is probably imminent, and according to Ryan Finkelstein of Just Baseball, Soto will sign a 15-year, $645 million contract with the New York Mets.

Finkelstein added, “I predicted that Soto would sign a 15-year, $645 million contract, which would break out to $43 million per year, which would trial Ohtani.” However, the current valuation would surpass him by about $200 million. Does Soto truly deserve an additional $200 million? Yes, he will be when he has five more years. It might take years to decide the winning proposal for Soto. In the end, if the Mets want to acquire their player, they might be the only team stupid enough to go to 15 years.

Although Soto’s $645 million signing would be a huge contract, it makes sense considering he is only 26 and will receive 15 years.

In 2024, Soto hit.288 with 41 home runs and 109 RBIs while playing for the Yankees. He hit.327 with four home runs and nine RBIs during the postseason.

An analyst anticipates that Soto’s agent will demand $700 million.
Boras, the most well-known manager in Major League Baseball, represents Soto, and many people anticipate that he will land the outfield player a huge contract.

Ohtani signed for $700 million, and Finkelstein thinks Boras will pressure all the interested teams to meet that amount.

Finkelstein stated, “This is precisely what Juan Soto’s next team is attempting to determine at the moment, as they all submit offers to see if they can land a franchise-altering talent.” Shohei Ohtani agreed to a 10-year, $700 million contract last season, which established Soto’s asking price.

“Because of the extraordinary nature of the $680 million in deferrals that Ohtani took, there are now numerous ways to beat his contract,” Finkelstein continued. According to the luxury tax, this raises Ohtani’s deal’s current value to about $460 million. where he earns somewhat more than $46 million annually. Although Ohtani set the standard, there are other ways to surpass it. It goes without saying that Soto will sign the biggest contract ever, worth $701 million, if Scott Boras gets his way.

In free agency, it does not appear realistic that Soto will receive $700 million. However, whichever team the talented outfielder signs with, he will receive a huge salary.

The Yankees’ owner meets well with Soto

Earlier this week, Soto and Boras spoke with the Yankees in California.

Hal Steinbrenner, owner of the Yankees, reported that the meeting went well. Additionally, he wishes to re-sign Soto since, according to him, the Bronx fans adored him.

“Having him in New York was a huge hit with our fans,” Steinbrenner added. “He undoubtedly had a big role in our World Series success. I have ears. I am aware of the expectations. You see, that has been a top priority. If it wasn’t, we wouldn’t have traveled to the West Coast.

Last season, Soto was a vital part of the Yankees’ roster. It is hoped that Steinbrenner will continue to be that way for some time to come.