The New York Yankees seem willing to break the bank for outfielder Juan Soto, but what would happen if they fail to re-sign him?
On Tuesday, The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal and Evan Drellich reported the Yankees’ cross-town rival, the Mets, are considered the favorite to sign the 26-year-old.
Although the Yankees want to keep him, they reportedly have a backup plan if Soto signs elsewhere. MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand reported Wednesday that Willy Adames is “drawing interest” from the Yankees and the San Francisco Giants.
Adames would be a less appealing option than Soto, who’s made four All-Star Games in seven seasons. Still, he wouldn’t be a terrible alternative for the Bronx Bombers.
The 29-year-old starred in 161 regular-season games at shortstop for the Milwaukee Brewers last season, tying for the 16th-most home runs (32) and the fourth-most RBI (112) in baseball. He also finished 10th in National League MVP voting.
Signing Adames would be cheaper than signing Soto. Spotrac estimates Adames’ market value is a six-year deal worth $25.4M annually. Soto’s projected market value is a 14-year deal worth $36.7M annually.
It’s unclear where Adames would fit in New York’s lineup. The Yankees already have shortstop Anthony Volpe, a 2023 American League Gold Glove winner.
Adames would reportedly prefer to stay at shortstop but could be willing to switch positions if New York gives him a mega contract.
“I do think [Adames] would prefer shortstop, but it’s always a sliding scale on dollars,” a source told Feinsand. “If someone is going to pay you more to play another position, you tend to be OK with it.”
If Adames stays at shortstop, Volpe could move to second base, replacing free agent Gleyber Torres.
Yankees star Jazz Chisholm Jr. is versatile, giving them more flexibility. While he played at third base last season, he could also serve as a second baseman or in the outfield.
Regardless, it’s smart for New York to have a contingency plan if they fail to re-sign one of the most coveted free agents in recent memory.
