Top 3 potential targets the Yankees could sign if they fail to land Juan Soto ft. Teoscar Hernandez and more
While Juan Soto's future with the New York Yankees is still in doubt, here is a look at the top alternative targets for the club if they fail to land the Dominican this winter. Having played a crucial role in helping the Yankees reach the World Series in his first season with them, Soto is bound to attract several offers from other teams in the offseason.
The outfielder is expected to go for the biggest offer on the table and should the Yankees fail to make it, there are several potential targets they could pursue instead.
3 targets Yankees could sign if they fail to land Juan Soto
#3. Cody Bellinger
Cody Bellinger is a proven entity who has a World Series, an NL MVP and several other individual awards under his belt. After a rough end to his time with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Bellinger has bounced back to form with the Chicago Cubs in the last two years.
Following a comeback season in 2023, the slugger signed a three-year, $80 million contract with Chicago which contains an opt-out clause after each of the first two seasons. This means that the Yankees could persuade him to make a move with the right offer.
#2. Anthony Santander
Baltimore Orioles star outfielder is one of the top free agents available in the market this year and would make a viable Soto replacement in the New York lineup. The Venezuelan outfielder is coming off a career-high 44-homer season with an Orioles team that failed to make a deep postseason run. Santander will likely explore his options in the market and could be a good fit for the Yankees.
#1. Teoscar Hernandez
Teoscar Hernandez has played a crucial role in the Los Angeles Dodgers' run to the World Series after being offered a one-year, $23.5 million contract at the beginning of the season. The slugger is not one of the hottest names entering free agency and an ideal replacement for the Yankees.
Latest reports suggest that the Dodgers still haven't had any extension talks with Hernandez, leaving him free to explore his options in the market.
Latest projections on Juan Soto's next MLB contract
When Juan Soto arrived in New York earlier this year, he made it clear that his only focus was on helping the Bronx Bombers win the AL championship. Having done that, it remains to be seen where he will land next year.
While his success with the Yankees is a good incentive for him to remain where he is, the latest projections on Soto's next contract are currently around $600 million.
This is likely to storm up a bidding war in the market and the Yankees ownership will have to table a big offer soon. Other potential contenders for his services include the New York Mets, Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies.
Where do you think Juan Soto will end up next season? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.