CBS Sports: The Yankees are expected to sign a two-time All-Star outfielder to replace Juan Soto.

The New York Yankees will actively pursue free agency to acquire an outfield player if they are unable to re-sign Juan Soto.

Ryan Finkelstein of Just Baseball projected that Soto, the top free agent available, will sign a $645 million, 15-year contract with the New York Mets. Finkelstein then has Teoscar Hernandez sign a four-year, $85 million contract with the Yankees.

Finkelstein written, “The prove-it deal was a bet on himself, and a chance to win it all with the best team in baseball.” Hernandez had an All-Star season and won his first World Series ring, so everything worked out for him. Hernandez is now prepared to cash in and get payment. This is his actual opportunity to receive compensation on a long-term contract as he enters his age-32 season. Tesocar is among the select few hitters who have hit more than 25 home runs in each complete season since 2019.

Finkelstein said, “His 158 home runs during that time rank 15th in MLB.” “Many teams will call Hernandez to add some power to their lineup, but who is willing to commit to him for the most years may be the deciding factor in negotiations.”

Hernandez would be the greatest option if the Yankees were to lose out on Soto. His bat would be significantly less expensive and help make up for Soto’s loss.

During his 2024 season with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Hernandez hit.272 with 33 home runs and 99 RBIs. He has won the Silver Slugger award three times and been named an All-Star thrice.

The Yankees were intent on signing Soto.
Re-signing Soto is New York’s top priority this offseason.

Hal Steinbrenner, the team’s owner, hopes to keep Soto in the Bronx for the foreseeable future after the Yankees traded for him for a season.

“Having him in New York was a huge hit with our fans,” Steinbrenner added. “He undoubtedly had a big role in our World Series success. I have ears. I am aware of the expectations. You see, that has been a top priority. If it wasn’t, we wouldn’t have traveled to the West Coast.

Although Soto is the major target for the Yankees, Steinbrenner admits he isn’t sure what the odds are that they re-sign him.

“I don’t know,” Steinbrenner replied. “We’ll be included. I’m going to stop there.

With the Yankees in 2024, Soto hit.288 with 41 home runs and 109 RBIs.

Hernandez states that his top priority is to re-sign with the Dodgers.
Hernandez expects to return to Los Angeles after signing a one-year contract with him last summer.

The outfielder hopes to re-sign with the Dodgers after becoming a fan favorite and performing well in the lineups.

Regarding re-signing with the Dodgers, Hernandez stated, “My hopes are really high.” “Obviously, the Dodgers are the top team, as I have stated. I will do all within my power to return. I want us to participate in this and be present. Here, I have a lot of pleasant recollections. As a player and a person, I’ve gained a lot of knowledge. Being a part of something is a wonderful feeling.