New York Yankees’ Juan Soto Pursuit Becomes Crucial Amidst Aaron Judge’s Injury History, per Top Insider

There is an eerie silence around Juan Soto currently. While the consensus among most insiders is that his trade is highly likely, there is a lack of agreement on other details among them. Some support trading him in for a year, others say that the costs far outweigh the utility, especially when one can get him next year as a free agent. With such polarized views, a top insider has come up to tell why teams like the New York Yankees want to add him right away as opposed to waiting for next year.

While Soto is, no doubt, one of the most talented baseball players currently, there are worries rising about his $32 million salary coupled with a potential loss of big prospects that could derail a team instead of strengthening it. This MLB insider shows why teams are willing to take that risk.

The sheer star power of Juan Soto makes him an obvious choice

Though the Bronx squad’s struggle was the headline, there was something else hidden behind their 82-80 record. It was an unusually distinct lack of star power in the Yankees roster. Top insider Bryan Hoch pointed it out recently in a New York Post show as he talked about Juan Soto.

“This guy [Soto] is a difference maker, he’d change the narrative around the Yankee team coming off a season where they were 82-80…  he changes your lineup so greatly for the New York Yankees, lefty bat and outfielder that’s what’s at top of their shopping list this year. He adds power, he adds star power to the Bronx.” Hoch commented.

Then Hoch was quick to remind people about Aaron Judge‘s injury. The team’s star power took a massive nosedive after it. Their last home game was played in an almost empty stadium. However, despite their 2023 being the worst in three decades, it is essential not to overlook the impact of Judge’s absence. “ There was not much reason to watch the Yankees for that two-month period that Judge was out. Soto gives them a reason to watch every single night,” he said.

Juan Soto can turn the Pinstripes into a must-watch team. But he remains a risky bet.

What makes this trade risky?

Soto will have an expected salary of $32 million this year. Coupled with prospects required to trade him, he’d be an expensive addition to any team. Most reports indicate that he isn’t open to signing an extension, preferring to enter free agency next year.

Read more: How MLB Analysts Know Juan Soto’s Days With The Padres Are Over

Even if Soto was ready for an extension, he’d be looking for a contract at least above the $440 million that the Washington Nationals offered him. That is another big thing to take into consideration in the Juan Soto pursuit.

So will the Yankees succeed in getting him, or will someone else swoop in to win the race?

Watch This Story: ESPN Insider Drops Bold Juan Soto Predictions: Fans Eagerly Shout ‘Yankee’ With 100% Confidence.