“You have to hit on both of them” - MLB analyst on Yankees’ challenge of signing multiple players instead of Juan Soto

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

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.

About the author

Muhammad Arslan is a baseball journalist at Sportskeeda with a degree in Journalism and over two years of experience with sites like Yardbarker and TheForkball.

His favorite team is the Los Angeles Dodgers, one of the most successful franchises in the MLB, with eight World Series titles and 25 NL pennants.

Muhammad's favorite player is Shohei Ohtani because he’s the first to ever hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in a single season. Ohtani's ability to crush it both at the plate and on the bases shows how versatile and determined he is, and he has a very likable humility.

Alex Rodriguez is Muhammad's favorite player from the past. A-Rod had all the traits, power, defense, and baseball IQ. Watching him hit home runs and make big plays was always exciting. His drive to be the best is something admirable.

When not watching or writing about sports, Muhammad loves to get outside and go for a run as it’s a great way to clear the head. He's also a huge football fan and has recently gotten into boxing and MMA.

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Edited by Victor Ramon Galvez