The New York Yankees met with outfielder Juan Soto on Monday to discuss the advantages of staying in the Bronx for the next decade. Spending 2024 with the Bombers should give them an advantage, but there are several teams fighting for his services. Could general manager Brian Cashman’s backup plan include pursuing Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernández? If the Yankees fail to re-sign Soto, any plausible backup plan will feel like a major disappointment.
After all, the 26-year-old was a major reason for New York’s return to the World Series after missing out in 2009. He’s one of three American League MVP Award contenders, with a.989 OPS, 41 home runs, 109 RBI, and 128 runs scored in 713 plate appearances. However, Hernández has the potential to be an effective pivot.
He received his third Silver Slugger Award in 2024, helping the Dodgers win the World Series. The right-handed batter with a.840 OPS, 33 home runs, 99 RBI, and 84 runs scored. Signing the 32-year-old would also be a considerably lower-cost option for New York. MLB Trade Rumours predicts he’ll sign a three-year, $60 million contract, while contract estimates for Soto have topped $600 million.
However, one major issue in considering Hernández as a viable backup in the Bronx is that he may not even be available as a free agent by the time Soto makes his decision. According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the Dodgers are the top contenders to re-sign the outfielder. However, the Boston Red Sox and the Baltimore Orioles are also interested in him. Passan believes Hernández might be one of the first big names off the board this winter. So, if Soto is the Yankees’ Plan B, they may have to instantly consider Plan C if he leaves the Bronx.
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