The Bombers made it to the Fall Classic for the first time since 2009, even though the New York Yankees lost to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 2024 World Series. One of the main reasons New York advanced that far was outfielder Juan Soto.

Is it possible for general manager Brian Cashman to sign the superstar slugger to a potentially historic contract? It’s clear how he fits into the Yankees’ roster. Re-signing Soto is “the perfect transaction” for the team, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan on Friday. However, what if it doesn’t occur?

Purchasing several players would be necessary to replace Soto’s production. The 26-year-old just finished third in the voting for the American League MVP Award after recording.989 OPS, 41 home runs, 109 RBI, and 128 runs in 713 plate appearances. With a 1.101 OPS, four home runs, nine RBI, and 12 runs scored in 64 plate appearances, he was also quite clutch during the postseason.

Tim Britton of The Athletic predicts that Soto will sign a new contract worth $611 million over 13 years. The Yankees would theoretically have enough of money to spend on a number of players if they decide not to re-sign the left-handed slugger. But how could they approach it?

Passan suggested an alternative plan, stating, “For instance, they could bring in Willy Adames for third base, shift Jazz Chisholm Jr. to center field, have Aaron Judge fill Soto’s spot in right field, sign Christian Walker or Pete Alonso for first base, and add Blake Snell to the pitching rotation—all at a lower cost than re-signing Soto.”

• Adames: 6-year deal worth $160 million
• Walker: 3-year contract valued at $60 million
• Alonso: 5-year agreement totaling $125 million
• Snell: 5-year deal for $160 million

The Yankees’ proposed trade would win them the World Series in 2025.

There are numerous ways the New York Yankees might go about finding a replacement for Anthony Rizzo. The Yankees have the money to sign a first baseman, to start. To top it off, New York might also be in the running to acquire a proven talent.

Numerous players are available as free agents, and some may even be available through trade. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is one of the Yankees’ ideal targets. Guerrero would be an intriguing trade target, but it’s unclear if the Toronto Blue Jays will let him go.

The Athletic’s Jim Bowden examined trade offers that were presented to him, one of which called for the Yankees to acquire Guerrero.

In exchange for Guerrero, the Yankees would send Will Warren, Oswald Peraza, and George Lombard Jr. to the Blue Jays.

The Yankees would quickly make that move if they could. However, the Blue Jays would only hear a dial tone if the Yankees truly made that offer to them. No one ever responds to that kind of offer.

Last season, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. posted an impressive 6.2 WAR, according to Baseball Reference. On November 25, Bowden highlighted his strong performance, noting Guerrero’s .323/.396/.544 slash line with 30 home runs and 103 RBIs. Bowden added, “If the Blue Jays were to trade him before the deadline, it’s unlikely they would deal him to the Yankees or another AL East team. However, Jasson Domínguez would likely be among the first players the Yankees would need to offer just to open discussions about a potential trade to New York.”

Guerrero’s Previous Comments About the Yankees

More than others, the Toronto Blue Jays standout knows that the New York Yankees are the wicked empire. Since the Yankees have a long history of success and are frequently everyone’s adversary, players and fans either adore them or despise them.

It’s not shocking that Guerrero felt the way he did about the Yankees given that the Blue Jays are a division opponent. After stating that he would never play for the Yankees, he later recanted his remarks on the trade deadline from the previous season.

“Something is spoken sometimes. “I’m not attempting to retract my remarks regarding the Yankees,” Guerrero told Virus Deportivo. This is a business, though. This is a business, and I got down and talked with my family and my father, Vladimir Guerrero Sr. I also stated that I would never again discuss this subject, even though many people have questioned me about it.

Based on what he’s heard, he would be open to playing for the Yankees if given the chance.

How the Yankees Would Benefit from Guerrero

The New York Yankees would be in a great position to win the World Series if they could just move prospects to create a stronger deal than the one that was suggested.

Last season, the Yankees had the lowest OPS from first base in the American League, which is a serious problem for a club trying to win a World Series. But their biggest problem would be resolved if they added Guerrero, one of baseball’s best power hitters.

He would be well worth the exorbitant price tag.