Yankees Insider Hints Club Could Land Star Slugger, Reunite With Fan-Favorite Soon

Could a former New York fan-favorite re-join the club along with a star?

The New York Yankees could be in an extremely different position a year from now.

New York struggled this season despite high expectations but that doesn't mean the club can't turn things around in 2024. The Yankees have plenty of money to spend and likely will be extremely active this offseason as the club looks to fill roster holes. One of the biggest holes on the roster is in the outfield. New York reportedly has been linked to San Diego Padres star Juan Soto on multiple occasions and could pursue a deal this offseason, according to The Athletic's Chris Kirschner.

"But let's say the Padres open the phone lines and make Soto available in trade talks this offseason, Kirschner said. "Firstly, the Yankees need to be all over the possibility. They have a need in left field, he's a left-handed hitter who would hit bombs into Yankee Stadium's short porch in right field and he'll only be 25 years old next season. Soto is a generational player the Yankees could build around for the next decade-plus alongside Aaron Judge and Gerrit Cole.

"To sweeten potential trades for Soto, the Yankees could absorb 2022 clubhouse favorite Matt Carpenter's $5.5 million next season. Carpenter's production plummeted with San Diego and that signing turned out to be a bust for the Padres. They could also inquire about utility infielder Jake Cronenworth, who signed a seven-year $80 million extension but has regressed in back-to-back seasons."

If the Yankees were to complete a deal with San Diego, Soto obviously would be the star of the deal. Acquiring someone like Carpenter could help get the deal done and also provide the Yankees with more lineup flexibility. Carpenter was a fan-favorite in New York in 2022 but struggled in 2023 with San Diego. If New York wants to become World Series contenders once again, it needs to go big, and acquiring Soto would be the perfect move to do so.