With Padres Rumored To Reduce $251 Million Payroll, Will the Yankees Go All-Out For Derek Jeter-Backed Superstar or Two-Way Phenom Shohei Ohtani?

It was an early wrap for The New York Yankees following a disappointing and heartbreaking season. Consequently, the 27-time World Series winners will not make it to the playoffs, and their journey to clinch a trophy since 2009 now moves to the following year. Even after a few positives since the start of the season, the New York-based team had shocking end to the season. Be it the team’s GM, skipper, or even captain Aaron Judge, everyone from the team expressed the same sentiment, either calling the season a “disaster” or a “big failure.” They also have promised a comeback and are looking for options on the market, which include Shohei Ohtani. But has the latest update added another twist to it?

It was a poor season for the former champions in pitching and batting. But the problem has come from the offense, which battled injuries and inconsistency in the squad, bringing in the thought of having a powerful hitter who could contribute better. Although GM Brian Cashman hinted at it before Derek Jeter backed the idea, it never became a reality. But the latest reports regarding the San Diego Padres have revived it again. Though it looks positive, it begs a question: Will the Yankees finally move for Juan Soto or look to sign his Japanese counterpart?

Derek Jeter’s Bold Prediction That Left Brian Cashman Skeptical and Unconvinced

There is no better person to give insights and predictions on the New York Yankees than Derek Jeter. The 5x WS champion played for the Pinstripes all his life and knows them exceptionally well as a team. Into his new role as an analyst, the 2009 champion and ex-Yankees captain brought that experience into the picture, suggesting a solution for the team’s current woes. The ex-baseballer pointed at the absence of Judge in the squad and advised them to sign Padres’ outfielder Juan Soto.

Noticing his former team struggling in offense, Jeter said, “If [the Padres] don’t have a good next couple of weeks, I wouldn’t mind seeing the Yankees go out and get Juan Soto.” With Soto piling runs and the transfer window still open, a chance was there of contact being made, which also matched with the Yankees GM’s thoughts.

In a podcast, Brian Cashman addressing the same problem said, “Among other things, the Yankees would like to add “a bat that could be more of an established, everyday offensive contributor in left field” at the trade deadline.”

However, the deal did not come to reality, and the front office faced a backlash from fans for not making the opportunity count. It eventually became a problem for them later on. As the offense continued to perform poorly, they lost many games, which became the deficit that made all the difference. The same was visible in Judge’s comment reflecting on the season.

Aaron Judge Blamed the ‘Indecisiveness’ for the Poor New York Yankees Season

Even after winning games with a percentage of over 0.600 in the last few weeks, the Pinstripes lost the playoff battle to bow out of the season- a result no one wanted, especially the team’s captain Aaron Judge. Not being able to play the postseason, even after risking his injury, is more disappointing for him. Therefore, after the Bronx Bombers were eliminated from the playoff contention, Judge shared his thoughts with a swipe at the front office, saying “a lot of stuff we gotta get figured and get tight for next year”.

It was an honest take from the captain, which reflected the flaws in the team. One of the significant being Brian Cashman‘s approach to the team’s management, failing to address the problems. His decision of letting go of Juan Soto, without approaching underscores the same issue. However, Cashman now has an opportunity to rectify this error, which has become apparent following the San Diego Padres’ roster changes.

Even after having a massive payroll worth $251 million, the Padres failed to win anything this season. Now, if reports are to be believed, the Padres front office is set to reduce their payroll by 20% at least, leading to a probable departure of superstar slugger Juan Soto. According to sandiegouniontribune.com, this decision means players like Juan Soto could be on their way out of the team.

Reportedly, the outfielder is about to cost $30 million in his last year, and chances that will be offloaded to reduce this spending. It opens up a path for Cashman to sign the 24-year-old as he looks for a better 2024 season. With an average of 0.273, 33 HRs, and 105 RBIs at an OPS of 0.919, Padres’ outfielder can be a great addition to the depleted Yankees. But will the availability of generational talent, Shohei Ohtani, create a barrage on Soto’s New York arrival?

Shohei Ohtani or Juan Soto: Whom Will the NYY Sign in 2024 Free Agency?

Shohei Ohtani, often referred to as ‘superman’, stands out as the most exceptionally talented player. As a result, there has been an enormous demand for him even after estimates of him costing more than $500 Million. But, given that he is nursing an injury, there are doubts about his pitching. With the Yankees more depleted on the offense, signing an outfielder who can bat is a good option. Moreover, already suffering from failures of high spending, GM Cashman may not risk signing an injured player at a high cost.

Read More:- As Aaron Judge Declares The Season A ‘Big Failure’, Massive Flaws In New York Yankees Organization Come To Light After Playoff Elimination

Thus the probability of the Yankees signing Juan Soto may pan out higher. Considering his injury history, it may be a bit of a gamble. However, with his age favoring him and Derek Jeter’s backing, the deal has more chances of completion.

Well, no matter which player among the two ends up with the second-highest payroll team in baseball, fans will primarily be focused on whether the Yankees can reclaim their title as the ‘

winningest’ team in 2024.

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