The Yankees’ farm system, once considered one of the top in MLB, is now a shadow of its former self. By trading high-level prospects for Soto, they sacrificed young talent that could have helped the roster in the future. Soto’s departure after just one season was a huge blow to the Yankees; the front office went all in to acquire him with the hope that he’d be the centerpiece of a contending lineup.

However, as fate would have it, Juan Soto got a better deal elsewhere and walked away after just one year. The New York Yankees’ trade for Juan Soto in late 2023, in which they acquired him and Trent Grisham from the San Diego Padres in exchange for Michael King, Jhony Brito, Randy Vasquez, Drew Thorpe, and Kyle Higashioka, proved to be a high-risk, high-reward move aimed at bolstering their championship window.

Losing Juan Soto is getting bad for the Yanks day by day

There is no doubt that Juan Soto upgraded the Yankees’ lineup. However, the trade left their already-thin farm system further depleted, particularly with the loss of young pitching talent like Thorpe and King. The Yankees’ farm system took a hit in recent years, particularly after the trade for Juan Soto, but it still features promising talent that could help turn things around in the near future. According to the Bleacher Report, leading the charge is Jasson Domínguez, the highly touted outfield prospect, who remains one of the game’s most exciting young players. Alongside him is Spencer Jones, who offers a mix of power and athleticism.

The Yankees’ system also includes a couple of exciting shortstop prospects, Roderick Arias and George Lombard Jr., with Lombard showing flashes of potential to develop into a future star. The pitching side looks intriguing, particularly with right-handers Chase Hampton, Ben Hess, and Bryce Cunningham, along with left-handers Brock Selvidge and Henry Lalane, all showing promise to break into the big leagues in the coming years. Despite the setbacks, the Yankees have built a nice collection of talent, particularly from their international signings, which could see a handful of breakout candidates emerge in 2025.

The Yankees sign a former Cubs prospect 

The New York Yankees have signed outfielder Brennen Davis to a minor league deal, following some hard years for the once highly sought prospect. The 25-year-old was a consensus top-100 prospect for several years after being drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the second round in 2018. Davis showed promise early on, posting strong numbers in the minors, including a standout 2019 season where he hit .305/.381/.525 at Single-A. His potential led to a rapid rise through the Cubs’ system, and by 2021, he was a top-20 prospect, just a step away from the majors.

However, injuries began to derail Davis’s promising career. After struggling in 2022 following back surgery, the Arizona native never regained the form that once made him a future star. His 2023 campaign was similarly disappointing because of his surgery and a fractured ankle. Although he showed flashes of power when he was healthy in 2024, his consistency remained an issue. Then, the Cubs ultimately decided to non-tender him.

The Yankees are taking a chance on Davis. The club is hoping that a change of scenery and a healthier 2025 could unlock his potential. While we do not know if the deal includes an invite to spring training, Davis offers a potential high-reward option for the Yankees if he can stay healthy. If Brennan Davis can get back to his previous form, he could make an impact in the Yankees’ crowded outfield sooner rather than later.