The Yankees’ activities this off-season might be indicating Hal Steinbrenner’s legacy’s end. Steinbrenner has made stellar deals and retained them by offering the best value. The New York Yankees have been in the top tier with big names. But this year might not have been the same. Amid the Dodgers’ rapid signing spree picking up major deals, the Mets put the last nail in the Yankees’ coffin by taking Juan Soto. 

Renowned MLB insider Jeff Passan slammed the Bronx Bombers for their laid-back attitude this offseason, letting their star players go and not making enough effort. Well, that’s not something the Yankees were known for during Steinbrenner’s era. With spring training around the corner, the team is now left with limited scopes. So, what next? 

The Yankees getting overshadowed by the Dodgers

The Mets are currently leading the investment chart in dealing with free agents with 25 signings and more than $900 million spent. They are followed by the Dodgers with 15 signings and about $400 million spent. The distant third is the Yankees with only 7 signings and about $235 million spent. Indeed a “third fiddle!” as Jeff Passan exclaimed. However, the 27x World Series winner was not the same during Steinbrenner’s time. And fans are wondering what went wrong this year. 

One reason may be the luxury tax threshold, which surely the Yankees would like to avoid considering this is the third time they are penalized for overshooting that mark. But Passan doesn’t think so – “If the penalties are so tough, then why are the Dodgers and Mets doing it? At the end of the day, these are the New York freaking Yankees.” Quite a rational take because the Dodgers are ahead in terms of paying the luxury tax but that’s not restricting them. It’s just the Yankees might be in a defensive mode this year contradicting their legendary moves! 

“When have the Yankees ever played third fiddle in baseball? That’s exactly where they are right now when it comes to spending,” added Passan pointing to the Yankees failing to keep up with the Mets and Dodgers in getting new names. Are there any economic reasons? Maybe, considering the Dodgers have owners worth $400 billion, and the Mets owner being the richest among his peers. So yes, money might be one factor. 

The Yanks need to make smart moves 

Any more late moves may not be that effective for the New York Yankees. Hence, they need to act fast. Reportedly, Cody Bellinger is going to start at center, and Jasson Domínguez in left. For the 3B rotation, they got DJ LeMahieu, Oswaldo Cabrera, and Oswald Peraza, and then, Aaron Judge is there to lead the charge. So, the Yankees might not be all out of consideration this year. 

Besides, a few are names still available in the market and the Yankees only need to get an infielder and a catcher with Austin Wells. That might be enough for them to field a contending team this year. “Big names cannot guarantee better results” is what the Bronx Bombers are trying to prove this year, maybe! And nothing else could be better than to avenge their 2024 World Series this year with this team? If moving away from Hal Steinbrenner’s Legacy can yield better results, then be it. Only time could tell…

The 2025 season is about to start and the fans can only hope that the Yankees follow their legacy in terms of getting the championship title and nothing to go dollar-to-dollar against the Dodgers.  

What do you think about the Yankees’ strategy this year? Don’t hesitate to share your thoughts!