If the New York Yankees end up missing out on Juan Soto, they’re not likely to sit back and pout. Instead, there’s a back-up plan in the works that could still make them a dangerous force in the American League for 2025. It’s not the blockbuster deal that landing Soto would be, but it’s a calculated, high-ceiling strategy that could pay off big. 

Instead of spending big on Soto, the Yankees could direct some of that money toward securing a solid, middle-of-the-order bat. That bat according to an MLB insider would be Christian Walker. The 33-year-old first baseman is coming off another productive season with the Arizona Diamondbacks. He brings power, defense, and consistency to a position that could use some stability.  

The Yankees have a plan B if they fail to acquire Juan Soto

Christian Walker’s bat would fit perfectly in the Yankees’ lineup. It would offer some balance to their right-heavy attack. Plus, his defense at first would shore up an infield that has seen some inconsistency over the past couple of years. According to Bob Nightingale of USA Today, the Yankees would then address their third base situation. Adding a player like Willy Adames or Alex Bregman would upgrade their offense. Both options are huge upgrades over their current options at third base and would give the Yankees some much-needed flexibility on the infield. With Bregman or Adames sliding into third, the Yankees could shift Jazz Chisholm over to second base. 

Chisholm has already shown he’s capable of playing all over the infield and could bring both speed and power to a traditionally light-hitting position. Then, there’s the matter of center field, where Cody Bellinger could be the missing piece. After bouncing back from a couple of down seasons, Bellinger has re-established himself as one of the premier outfielders in the game. Now, for the final, most crucial piece of the puzzle: pitching. The Yankees could use the savings from not pursuing Soto to target one of the top-tier arms available. Adding a frontline starter like Corbin Burnes, Max Fried, or Blake Snell would immediately improve their rotation, giving them a bona fide ace to pair with Gerrit Cole at the top.  

The Yankees are looking for a pitcher

The Yankees need a proven arm to bolster their rotation. While Carlos Rodon was expected to be the No. 2 starter when he signed, his struggles and injuries have made him unreliable. The Yankees have been eyeing Blake Snell for some time, having offered him a $150 million deal last offseason before pivoting to Marcus Stroman. 

Snell remains one of the most talented pitchers available. His track record includes two Cy Youngs, a four-pitch mix with a devastating curveball, and solid postseason success. However, Snell’s inconsistency is a concern. While he’s had Cy Young-caliber seasons, his overall career has been marked by mediocrity in between. Additionally, Snell struggles to go deep into games. 

With Cole and Rodon already commanding massive contracts, adding another high-priced starter could strain the Yankees’ financial flexibility—especially with Juan Soto potentially on the horizon. If Snell is willing to accept a deal with opt-outs or a more team-friendly contract, the Yankees could be interested. However, if they land Soto, their focus may need to shift elsewhere, as starting pitching wasn’t the primary issue in their postseason struggles.