The New York Yankees' free agency efforts are mostly focused on outfielder Juan Soto right now. There's a good reason for that; where he signs will have a huge impact on what the rest of this winter looks like for the Bombers.
If Soto doesn't stay in the Bronx, could general manager Brian Cashman fill multiple needs by dangling Jasson Dominguez on the trade market?
With Soto exploring his options, the Yankees' current starting outfield includes Dominguez, Aaron Judge and Trent Grisham. Dominguez brings top prospect pedigree, but the soon-to-be 22-year-old is far from a sure thing and shaky defensively. Grisham is better as a fourth outfielder and as Judge continues aging, it would be better if he didn't spend most of his playing time in center field.
New York's infield also has some holes. The entire right side is empty with Gleyber Torres and Anthony Rizzo on the open market. Jazz Chisholm Jr. could move to second base, but that would leave third base empty. Could the Yankees fill multiple holes in a trade with the St. Louis Cardinals?
It's possible. Here's a four-player swap that would give New York a new third baseman and a center fielder:
- Yankees receive: third baseman Nolan Arenado, outfielder Lars Nootbar and relief pitcher Ryan Fernandez
- Cardinals receive: outfielder Jasson Dominguez
Arenado has a no-trade clause in his eight-year, $260 million contract, but his name has been churning through the rumor mill as the Cardinals mull a reset. ESPN New York's Michael Kay also mentioned the veteran would be a solid fit for the Bombers. Nootbar is a primary center fielder, which would allow Judge to move to a corner to preserve his body better.
This type of trade probably makes the most sense if Soto doesn't re-sign with the Yankees, but it could still work even if he remains in the Bronx. Things are mostly on hold until the 26-year-old left-handed slugger decides on his future. But between free agency and the trade market, there are several directions Cashman could go to reload his roster for another World Series run in 2025, regardless of what happens with Soto.
More MLB: MLB Execs Predict Juan Soto Signs $600-Plus Millions Deal With AL Team
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