Juan Soto (image credit: IMAGN)

MLB Analyst Jim Memolo talked about how difficult the winter will be for the New York Yankees. Memolo discussed the fact that they need to sign more than one player and not just concentrate on keeping their young superstar, Juan Soto.

The Yankees have several issues to address via the free-agent market as they try to fix their roster.

“Yankees: (if) they don’t get Soto, say they sign a first baseman and a third baseman, you have to hit on both of them,” Memolo said on Saturday, via MLB Network Radio Show. “Soto is Soto. That’s a gimme, that’s an automatic hit in a lot of ways, that’s an automatic.”

Soto had an amazing first season with the Yankees as he hit .288 with 41 homers and 109 RBIs, which summed up to a 7.9 WAR.

“But now if you go the different direction and sign two guys that may workout,” Memolo said. “But you’ve got to hit on both of them which gives you longer odds on that actually happening.

“You sign a first baseman and a third baseman potentially only one of them really ends up having a good year and the other guy ends up being in terms of WAR kind of an average guy and I guarantee you that’s not gonna mitigate the absence of Soto in that lineup.”

It would be costly for the Yankees to keep Soto. Some sources claim that he might get a contract worth over $600 million.

Even though Soto is crucial, there are other important needs that the Yankees cannot ignore. Several important players are entering into free agency, including Gleyber Torres and Anthony Rizzo.

They will also need to ensure that they improve other departments like pitching and infield depth.

The Yankees have already paid out around $240 million for salaries in 2024.

Strategic adjustments for the Yankees if important players depart

Juan Soto – Image via Getty

The New York Yankees’ needs are complex, including infielders who could provide sufficient cover, additional relief pitchers and outfielders. If Torres and Rizzo head for the exit, then plan B should involve dependable first or third base players.

Important relievers like Clay Holmes and Tommy Kahnle became free agents after last season, so the Yankees need new arms in the bullpen. If Soto leaves, finding someone who can play well offensively will also become a problem.

From what Memolo has said, it appears wiser for the Yankees not to spend all resources on one player like Soto but to take a balanced approach of signing several players who can fill gaps and improve the team’s performance.