The New York Yankees have a number of tasks to complete throughout the summer. They need a first baseman, a second baseman, a starter, and at least two or three reliable bullpen arms in addition to wanting (and, if we are being honest, needing) to re-sign Juan Soto. This club could make a comeback to the World Series if talented players are able to fill those roles.

The Yankees’ bullpen needs more talent.

As the offseason progresses, the Yankees’ need for bullpen reinforcements has grown. Key relievers Clay Holmes, Tommy Kahnle, and Tim Hill departed in free agency, while Tim Mayza was non-tendered on Friday night. That makes four pitchers gone, and the number increases if Jonathan Loaisiga is included.

To address their bullpen issues for 2025, the Yankees will need to rely on a mix of trades, promotions, role adjustments, and free-agent signings. One potential target is Jeff Hoffman, a former standout with the Philadelphia Phillies.

The most sought-after quality among late-inning relievers is perhaps the ability to get swings and misses. Hoffman was transformed into a reliever in Cincinnati in 2022 after years of being a terrible starter with a mediocre team (the Colorado Rockies), and he excelled in the next two seasons in Philadelphia.

Hoffman is the kind of person the Yankees need.

We’ve seen this movie a lot, particularly with the Yankees: more effort, more energy in shorter spurts, and improved stuff quality, a poor starter turns into a dominant reliever.

The ability to generate swings and misses is arguably the most valuable trait for late-inning relievers. After struggling as a starter with the Colorado Rockies, Jeff Hoffman transitioned to a bullpen role in Cincinnati in 2022. He thrived in this new role, delivering strong performances over the next two seasons with the Philadelphia Phillies.

Hoffman fits the profile of exactly what the Yankees need. It’s a familiar story, especially with the Yankees: a starter with underwhelming results becomes a dominant reliever by focusing on shorter, high-energy outings with improved pitch quality.

Mystery Team in on Yankees’ Juan Soto, according to an insider

As the top free agent on the market, New York Yankees outfielder Juan Soto has become the focal point of baseball’s offseason buzz.

Several teams have shown interest in him during free agency, with the New York Mets, Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers, Toronto Blue Jays, Philadelphia Phillies, and Yankees emerging as the primary contenders.

However, insiders were initially unable to identify a rumored “mystery team” in the mix. According to Jon Heyman of The New York Post, that mystery team is reportedly the Kansas City Royals.

According to Heyman’s story, “The Royals were a second small-market team to check in on Juan Soto.” “But in the end, it isn’t a financial fit.”

The Royals were the mystery team who checked in on Soto, as Heyman reported. However, Kansas City won’t pursue the talented outfielder any more since the money won’t work for them.

Soto is a four-time MLB All-Star at the young age of 26. The person who signs him will receive a middle-of-the-order bat because he is one of the top players in baseball.

Soto hit.288 with 41 home runs and 109 RBIs in 2024 while playing for the Yankees.

Jonathan India’s trade strengthens the royals’ lineup.
By acquiring infielder Jonathan India from the Cincinnati Reds, Kansas City did strengthen their lineup.

In an attempt to bolster its offense, the Royals dealt outfielder Joey Wiemer and starting pitcher Brady Singer for India.

J.J. Picollo, general manager of the Royals, stated that the organization was excited to acquire India and was seeking a leadoff hitter.

“We obviously wanted a leadoff hitter,” Picollo stated. “On-base is what we intended to address. We needed someone to be dependable in that leadoff position. Jonathan will also do it. We were thrilled to have him. Another guy we’ve always held in the highest regard is Joey Wiemer, a highly regarded potential.

In 2021, India was named the NL Rookie of the Year. The infielder hit.248 with 15 home runs, 58 RBIs, and 12 stolen bases during the previous season with the Reds.

Wiemer will contend with the Royals for the position as fourth outfielder. In his MLB career, the 25-year-old has participated in 153 games.

The Yankees and Soto Have a Good Meeting

This offseason, New York is concentrating on re-signing Soto.

The Yankees have made it plain that they want to re-sign the talented outfielder, and the franchise had a successful meeting with Scott Boras and Soto, according to owner Hal Steinbrenner.

Steinbrenner told reporters, “He’s definitely a significant part of why we got to the World Series.” “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.

Soto is expected to sign a contract worth up to $700 million over a period of 12 to 14 years.

Steinbrenner said he intends to spend money to ensure that New York returns to the World Series in 2025 if the Yankees don’t sign Soto.

“Compared to a year ago, we’re in a stronger starting position. That is undeniable,” Steinbrenner stated. As you can see, payrolls like this year’s and the luxury taxes they generate are unsustainable year after year. For most owners, if not all of them, that is the case. Year after year does not preclude me from doing what I desire in any given year. We have the power to sign any athlete we so choose, after all.

In the World Series, the Dodgers defeated the Yankees.