Big news coming out of the Bronx. No, they didn’t get Juan Soto yet. Although they would love to. The Yankees’ general manager, Brian Cashman, said, “We are more than willing to meet as many times as he would like to meet,” in response to Soto’s agent saying he wanted to meet ownership personally. “We certainly have an interest in retaining him, and we’ll put our best foot forward there.” While the Soto Saga continues, the Yanks have brought in a significant figure in the MLB scene.

Hal Steinbrenner’s team has officially found their new voice in the radio booth, and it’s none other than Dave Sims, away from the Seattle Mariners, where he’s been a permanent presence on their TV broadcasts for the past 17 seasons. Moreover, this wasn’t exactly a decision that just happened out of nowhere.

The Yankees gave a few broadcasters a chance to audition in 2024. Justin Shackil, Emmanuel Berbari, and Rickie Ricardo all took turns behind the mic. But this one’s a home run for the Yanks. To nab a seasoned pro like Sims, one of the most respected voices in the game? That’s a good move. What makes this even more special is that Dave Sims is a New York guy at heart. Though he’s spent most of his broadcasting career on the West Coast with the Mariners, he’s a Philly native.

According to the Pinstripe Alley, “The move represents a homecoming for Sims, a Philadelphia native who began his media career as a reporter for the New York Daily News, spent time on WFAN, and maintained a New York home in the offseason.” It’s the kind of move that feels destined to happen, and sure, it’s a win for the Yankees, but it’s a win for fans, too. At 71, Sims is joining the legendary Suzyn Waldman in the booth, taking over for John Sterling after his much-anticipated retirement.

Sims and Waldman are about to create some serious radio magic, and with the Yankees always at the center of attention, this new duo could be just the spark the fanbase needs. As the  Yankees gear up for a busy winter, their top priority remains clear: locking up Juan Soto. But while the front office’s focus is on securing the star outfielder, the team has more than a few roster holes to plug. 

Other than Juan Soto, what do the Yankees need?

With Gleyber Torres and Anthony Rizzo expected to depart, the Yankees will need to find answers at both second base and first base. The solution could come via a trade with the Chicago Cubs. The Cubs have an intriguing trade chip in Cody Bellinger. After a disappointing second season with Chicago, Bellinger, who still has over $30 million left on his 2025 deal, could be on the move. However, if they’re going to move Bellinger, the Cubs might be more inclined to pair him with Nico Hoerner.  

Hoerner has established himself as one of the best second basemen in the game over the last three seasons. He could fill a critical gap for the Yankees at second, while Bellinger, with a change of scenery, might bounce back to his MVP-caliber form that we saw in the past. The Yankees, of course, would have to give up quite a bit to make this happen. The Cubs are expected to demand two of the Yankees’ top prospects: Spencer Jones, their top outfielder, and right-handed pitcher Will Warren, who’s had a strong season in the minors.  

It’s a hefty price to pay, but landing both Bellinger and Hoerner would be a huge win for the Yankees’ roster, especially given the void at second and first base. The potential upside here is enormous. Hoerner has been a rock-solid contributor on both sides of the ball and could anchor the Yankees’ middle infield for years to come. If Bellinger recaptures his 2019 form, it would give the Yankees an instant upgrade at first base or as a corner outfielder.