While everyone is busy looking at the two Japanese phenoms stealing the show this offseason, there’s another huge story that is waiting to reach its climax. It’s the trade of Juan Soto to the New York Yankees. While many teams are linked to the Dominican slugger, the Pinstripes remain the favorite to get him. But with lefty Cody Bellinger also in the market, many wonder whether he might get more attention than Soto. Who will dominate talks this winter?
While Bellinger is high on many lists, Soto might just edge it out due to a variety of reasons. Could the Yankees get him just a year before his free agency? And why could they choose him even when a free agent with similar attributes is available?
“Yankees will be all over Juan Soto,” says Jon Morosi
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Jon Morosi recently sat down for an interview with MLB Network, discussing the current offseason. Talking about various possible trades, Morosi also shared his opinions on Soto and whether he thinks his trade is possible. He believes that the market wants Juan Soto even with only one year left in his deal, and the reasons are manifold.
"The Yankees are going to be all over [Juan] Soto in the same way that they're all over Cody Bellinger."
– @jonmorosi on #MLBNHotStove pic.twitter.com/E6quRaDrsp
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) November 22, 2023
“It’s only a 1-year scenario and that can have a way of tampering the value in the marketplace. But we’re still talking about one of the best offensive players in the game. Even on the down year for him last year. 35 home runs, drove him 109 runs, elite of the elite talent.”
He then went on to say that he believes the Yankees will be particularly interested due to a big deficiency in their left-handed batters department. “Yankees are a team to watch, their divisional rivals Giants are another… The Yankees are going to be all over [Juan] Soto in the same way that they’re all over Cody Bellinger.”
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Certainly, the Bronx Bombers would love to have the Childish Bambino, not just because of his talent but due to his popularity. Could the remaining one year pose a problem for them? Maybe, but with a disappointing 2023, hiring Soto could bring in good vibes to the franchise. But why would they choose him over Bellinger?
Consistency could be what separates Soto from Bellinger
Morosi mentioned that even though Cody Bellinger fills in the same places that Soto does, the Padres slugger is just more consistent. Even in his down year, he has performed at a level that’s way above everyone else. While Bellinger did have a comeback, his previous two seasons were abysmal due to injuries.
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So even with only one year, the Yankees are still willing to go all in on the Dominican. Will we see a “Soto Shuffle” in the pinstripes in 2024? That certainly would be quite a wild scene.
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