ESPN Reports: The Yankees Reveals a suitable replacement for Juan Soto if he leaves in free agency.

If the Yankees lose Juan Soto in free agency, they will have to move quickly.

The New York Yankees will make every effort to re-sign Juan Soto, a free agency sensation. However, there is a genuine potential that Soto will not return to the Yankees, as teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers, Boston Red Sox, and New York Mets are all vying for his services.

The Yankees took a risk last offseason when they agreed to a one-year contract with the San Diego Padres, which included pitching prospect Drew Thorpe, who was the main player in the trade that brought the Padres Dylan Cease from the Chicago White Sox, and starting pitcher Michael King, who emerged as one of baseball’s best pitchers the previous season.

It would be a huge organizational failure if the Yankees were unable to re-sign Soto, despite the fact that they made the World Series with him the previous season.

Soto is among the greatest baseball players of all time. In 2024, Soto enjoyed one of his best seasons with the Yankees, because to a left-handed swing that was perfect for Yankee Stadium. He hit a career-high 41 home runs, drove in 109 runs, drew 129 walks, and scored an American League-high 128 runs while slashing.288/.419/.569. In the more forgiving right field at Yankee Stadium, Soto also had one of his best defensive seasons and was nominated for a Gold Glove.

However, the Yankees still have the option to change course through free agency and the trade market, even if catastrophe happens and Soto signs with another team. The Yankees are in a position to add some quality players in Soto’s possible absence, even though no one on the market could ever match the output that Soto provided.

If Juan Soto leaves in free agency, here are the Yankees’ top three options for a replacement.

3. Mike Trout is traded to the Yankees.

Mike Trout, a three-time MVP, eleven-time All-Star, and one of the best players of this age, is the ideal candidate to take Soto’s place. If the Angels decide to put Trout on the trade market, it shouldn’t be too expensive to acquire him given his previous injury history. The Yankees’ No. 2 prospect, 23-year-old Spencer Jones, would probably be the subject of a transaction.

Given Trout’s previous history of injuries, playing right field on the Yankee Stadium “short porch” would be the ideal method for him to continue contributing defensively while minimizing physical strain. After tearing his meniscus in April and then tearing it again while attempting to return in August, Trout missed the majority of the previous season. Since 2019, Trout hasn’t participated in more than 120 games in a season.

2. Teoscar Hernandez is signed by the Yankees in free agency.

Teoscar Hernandez, who had a career-year with the Dodgers the previous season, is one of the most sought-after names in free agency this summer, making him an easy match. Hernandez helped the Dodgers defeat the Yankees in the World Series, so he is undoubtedly still on the Yankees’ mind. Hernandez hit seven hits in 20 at-bats during the World Series, including a home run and a double.

1. Anthony Santander joins the Yankees in free agency

Anthony Santander, a free agent right fielder, is the Yankees’ best backup choice in the event that Soto leaves in free agency. With 44 home runs, 102 RBI, and a.506 slugging percentage, Santander had an outstanding season with the division-rival Baltimore Orioles last season.