Soto's rights estimated value is about $50-60M. The players to San Diego would only need a surplus value in the $20-30M range plus a little premium as the Yankees need Soto more than the Padres need to trade him to the Yankees. The big thing is trying to find SS's that can play other positions as I think the Padres only fielded 5 SS's last year.
The Yankees were always going to be the wildcard for me this offseason. Once they land Soto, they will shift their focus on the other top free agents. I still think they will land either Yamamoto or Chapman.
Matt Chapman? Obviously things can change but the GM said Lemahieu will be their 3b this morning. But a Verdugo, Soto, and potentially Yamamoto is a solid off season. Basically got 2 of the biggest players available.
I still think this team needs a corner OF/ b-u 1B that rakes vs RHP. I wonder if they see one in rule 5 draft (in about 74 min) that could be given a shot in spring training and returned if Barber or Loperfido or Dirden beat him out? Another proven RP would be nice but with as volatile as they are maybe it's just as good to bet on Montero , Graveman, and the youngsters. I guess this may be the 2024 Astros.
After all this, if the Yankees miss the playoffs again or are routed in the first round, you think Cashman is done? I thought he might be done after last season.
Corner OF wRC+ rank vs. RHPs (min 100 PAs vs RHP in a corner OF spot) 1. Alvarez 17. Tucker 33. Chas As a team, the Astros ranked 2nd in wRC+ against RHPs from their corner OF spots (not counting when they played other positions) mostly because Dusty played Julks. The Astros could use a bat vs. RHPs. It can be any position though or just a DH/PH.
Michael King and Drew Thorpe is actually a heavy price for the right to pay Soto like 35 million dollars for one year and then resign him at the going cost. Michael King is ready to be a quality starting pitcher and Drew Thorpe is doing very well in the minors as a starting pitcher.
Another guy with a big time arm that walks too many hitters......... I am sure he will be thrown into the pile of pitchers with good stuff but a mediocre track record. He is basically the new Stanek.
Man, he was pretty damn good in 22. Abysmal last season, but that seems like an awesome buy low move. Just assemble a scrap heap of talented arms, surely at least one or 2 will figure it out and provide good relief innings on the cheap.
I personally don't think one year of Soto is worth $60,000,000 - but lets say he is. I would rather have King, Thorpe and others over the 20-30 million dollar difference between his salary and value.
