Top 5 Off-Season Targets for the New York Yankees

If the New York Yankees want to win big, Hal Steinbrenner needs to sign big. After a disappointing 2023 season, it?s time for a quick shopping trip at the trade market. With the talents featured currently in the Bronx, chances seem to be less for a great bounce back.

The owner along with the captain, Aaron Judge, have spoken about essential changes that need to be done in the Bombers. The changes might include big names from the trade market. Who looks like the Yankees’ top five??

The New York Yankees’ off-season top priority list?

The talk of the town and the club’s favorite, Shohei Ohtani, just like six years ago, might be topping the priority list for the Yankees. But if the left-handed hitter will again break the Bombers’ heart, only he knows the answer. Though the Japanese player will not be pitching in the next season due to Tommy John surgery, the club will not be backing down from their decision, as everyone has witnessed Ohtani?s power hitting this season. However, the only thing that will come in them will be Ohtani?s $500 million price tag. Will Hal Steinbrenner be ready to sign the paycheck to Ohtani? Only time will reveal the answer.?

The Bronx needs fresh young talents to score better. But who amongst all is the best currently? The 25-year-old San Diego Padres player, Juan Soto, is in the spotlight. There are various rumors of Soto joining the Bombers in the Bronx, and it would be a dream team for the fans. What better line-up in the baseball world better than Aaron Judge and Juan Soto? The young, talented star might be the key to the 2024 championship. Many are waiting for this collaboration, but will this be done??

Even the former left-handed Yankee, Jordan Montgomery, is on the priority list for the off-season even after they had given the player to the Cardinals. Montgomery had a good season this year with the St. Louis Cardinals and the Texas Rangers. However, it?s only in the hands of the pitcher whether he’ll have hard feelings or if he’ll opt to shine in the Bronx.?

The Yankees need for an outfielder

Cody Bellinger is also hitting the free agency this winter. The player had an MVP with the Los Angeles Dodgers but has experienced a downfall due to an injury. This made the Dodgers to release Bellinger in 2022. However, the MVP bounced back amazingly and played well for the Chicago Cubs this season. The slugger has impressive slashing stats of .316/ .362/ .535 with a .897 OPS and 20 home runs in 102 games. Although he wasn?t MVP in 2023, he still played brilliantly with the Cubs. Bellinger?s left-handed hitting style will help the Bombers score well and it would be the best fit for the Yankees stadium.?

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There?s one more pitcher in the trade market, considered the best pitcher but it isn’t Shohei Ohtani. It?s another young talented Japanese pitcher, Yoshinobu Yamamoto. The player is expected to be released from the Orix Buffaloes this off-season and the Yankees are right behind the player to acquire him. Yamamoto has an outstanding career ERA of 1.77 and has won the Sawamura Award in Nippon Professional Baseball, two times consecutively. Yes, many are interested in signing the player, but let?s see who will get the pitcher this winter.?

Fans are eagerly waiting for the Yankees roster for the next season and who among these five will join the existing Bombers in the Bronx. All the answers will be given very soon by the owner. However, who will definitely be wearing pinstripes next year??

The Yankees’ guaranteed contracts?

The owner had signed the check of $320 million for the captain, Judge, till 2031. Aaron Judge is playing exceptionally well. The top five with Judge may be enough to bring the championship home next year. Gerrit Cole is also playing for the Yankees with $180 million until 2028. 30-year-old pitcher, Carlos Rodon, with two All-Star tags, is on the roster with a massive contract worth $135 million. Outfielder, Giancarlo Stanton, is securing the place with a price tag of $128 million. Steinbrenner did not back off in signing a check for DJ LeMahieu with $45 million due to his exceptional skills on the diamond. Anthony Rizzo and Tommy Kahnle will also be playing with the Bombers for $23 million and $5.75 million respectively till next season.

Signing big names this winter will be a huge step for the Yankees to win the next season. This shopping list must go well, or else there will be one more disastrous season to tackle. What are your thoughts on who will be signing the Yankees for the next season??

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