The 2024 MLB general managers meetings are set to begin Tuesday in San Antonio, the first step in what should be a very interesting offseason for baseball — and especially baseball. Yankees.
General manager Brian Cashman will be on hand to answer a multitude of questions from the media following the Yankees’ five-game World Series loss.
This offseason is similar to the one following the 2022 season, where the team had a disappointing finish to the playoffs, a superstar hit free agency and questions arise around the manager.
Although the winter meetings are where talk of trades and free agents will intensify, Cashman has a lot to answer…
How far will the Yankees go to bring back Juan Soto?
Every question surrounding the Yankees this offseason involves Soto. The talented 26-year-old outfielder hit free agency for the first time in his already impressive career and could possibly become the highest-paid player in MLB history.
So what will the Yankees do to ensure that their 1-2 shot against Soto and Aaron judges remains intact? That’s the question Cashman must answer. This is similar to when Judge hit free agency, but there are some differences. Without Judge, the Yankees were lost – as we saw when he suffered a foot injury in 2023, leading to New York missing the playoffs.
But without Soto, the Yankees are probably still a playoff team. Now what’s similar is how much Soto meant to the 2024 team. He checked all the boxes for the Yankees and gave them their best offensive season. He also helped the Yankees advance to their first World Series since 2009.
As negotiations begin, don’t expect Cashman to give the agent Scott Boras no means of pressure to express oneself on the subject. But his responses are worth noting.
How much are the Yankees willing to spend this offseason?
Soto will be the No. 1 target this winter, but how much are they willing to spend overall? If Soto goes elsewhere, will the money he was going to use be allocated elsewhere? The Yankees can use a new third baseman, and Alex Bregman is available. Christian Walker is an option at first base if they don’t bring back Antoine Rizzo.
Blake Snell opted out of his contract with the Giants, and the Yankees were with him last offseason. Would they try to negotiate a deal again?
Even if Soto re-signs, will New York spend on another expensive bat or arm? There are low cost prospects like Jasson Dominguez, Ben Rice and others who can fill some gaps, but to get over the hump the Yankees might need more.
Aaron Boone Status
Manager job security is always a topic every offseason, but after helping lead this team to the World Series, how much security will Cashman and the organization give Boone?
SNY’s Andy Martino reports that Boone will be back with the Yankees in 2025 as the team will likely exercise his club option, but isn’t a contract extension far away?
How will the Yankees fix their fundamentals?
Management-wise, the Yankees’ lack of fundamentals has been exposed during these postseasons, especially in the World Series.
Two of the Dodgers’ wins were aided by poor Yankees defense and running, but is that something that can be fixed in a single offseason?
Maybe it’s a lack of responsibility. Maybe the list Cashman put together is to blame. Either way, the GM needs to figure out how to fix the problem or there could be a repeat this upcoming season.
The role of Jasson Dominguez in 2025
There’s no doubt that Dominguez is the future of the Yankees, but will he earn a starting role next season? Soto’s destination could impact that decision. If Soto returns, Dominguez will most likely be the starter, but if Soto goes elsewhere, the team could spend money to sign an outfielder or two — which could include a re-signing. Alex Verdugo.
In 18 games in 2024, Dominguez finished 10-for-67 with two home runs and a double. Despite being on the playoff roster, Dominguez did not have a bat and was used exclusively as a pinch runner. Next season, the hitting prospect will need to be a more balanced hitter and improve defensively if he wants to make an impact on the roster.
