Although Yankees fans were left devastated over the loss of Juan Soto this free agency, Hal Steinbrenner not spending $760 million on the outfielder became a blessing in disguise for this franchise. It allowed for several other notable additions to the Yankees clubhouse that will be worthwhile in 2025.
Following the 2023 winter meetings in Nashville, TN, the Yankees and Padres made a blockbuster seven-player trade, bringing Soto and Trent Grisham to New York, and sending Michael King, Kyle Higashioka, Drew Thorpe, Jhony Brito, and Randy Vásquez to San Diego. Soto stole the hearts of Yankees fans as soon as he stepped foot in the Bronx and then broke them in the offseason.
On December 8, 2024, Soto and the Mets agreed to an astonishing 15-year, $765 million deal that would become the largest contract in professional sports history. The Mets offered him just $5 million more than the Yankees did, so it was not about staying in pinstripes for Soto. However, the Yankees front office immediately took action in spite of this.
Yankees acquire RHP Devin Williams from the Milwaukee Brewers
Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman wasted no time in reviving the “Evil Empire,” starting with the addition of RHP Devin Williams in exchange for LHP Nestor Cortes Jr. Williams finished the 2024 regular season with a 1.25 ERA, .969 WHIP, striking out 38, and only walking 11 in just 21.2 innings pitched.
His unique sweeping breaking-ball pitch earned him the nickname “The Airbender,” when he switched his changeup grip to create a high-spin, making it nearly impossible for hitters to recognize. The Yankees are bringing The Airbender to the Bronx as their closer for the remainder of his contract through the 2025 season.
Chicago Cubs Trade CF Cody Bellinger to Yankees
On Dec, 17, the Yankees sent RHP Cody Poteet to Chicago for Cody Bellinger and cash considerations. According to Bellinger’s agent, Scott Boras, Belli has shown interest in being a Yankee before. This may be propelled by his father, Clay Bellinger, who played three seasons and won two championship rings with the club. The two will become just the fourth father-son duo in franchise history.
Bellinger won a World Series with the Dodgers in 2020 and hopes to do the same in New York, adding to his already impressive resume. The 2019 National League MVP will bring his sweet lefty swing to Yankee Stadium’s right field 314 ft short-porch. Yankees fans are as thrilled to welcome Belli to the Bronx as he is to put on the pinstripes.
Yankees add Cy-Young Caliber Lefty to their Starting Rotation
The Yankees have secured one of the best pitchers baseball has to offer. Max Fried and the Yankees agreed to an 8 year, $218M deal at the winter meetings in Dallas. Fried’s contract which includes a full no-trade clause, no deferred money and is the largest ever for a left-handed pitcher.
Fried has spent the last eight seasons in Atlanta, winning a World Series with the Braves in 2021. Last season, he pitched to a 3.25 ERA with 166 strikeouts in 174.1 IP. Fried has the lowest earned run average among pitchers in MLB since 2020 at 2.81. He is truly dominant on the rubber and is a huge addition to this rotation. Fried, alongside Yankees’ ace Gerrit Cole, will be a lights-out 1-2 punch.
Veteran 1B Paul Goldschmidt and Yankees agree to 1-year deal
In their latest move, the Yankees added another former MVP to their lineup. Paul Goldschmidt and the Yankees agreed to a 1-year, $12.5M deal to replace former 1B Anthony Rizzo, whose club option was declined for the 2025 season. Goldschmidt was National League MVP in 2022 with the Cardinals and is eager to join the Yankees.
Goldy has been one of the most consistent hitters of his generation and is known for his power at the plate. In his career, he’s hitting .289, with a .381 OBP, .510 SLG, .892 OPS, and a 62.8 WAR. The Yankees are hopeful that this slugger will be a good fit to fill their corner infield void.
Despite the loss of Soto, the Yankees have had a very successful offseason rebuild thus far. The $760 million Steinbrenner saved has been well spent on these names which have increased the club’s caliber, giving them great odds to be right back in the Fall Classic this October. I’m excited to see where 2025 takes the Yankees!
Edited by Taylor N. Hall
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