3 players the Yankees target to appease Juan Soto and save their season

The Yankees should go all out to secure a victory this year to strengthen their negotiating position with Juan Soto during the offseason.

The New York Yankees are running out of time to make moves before the trade deadline. If they collapse, lose the AL East to the Orioles, and get eliminated early in the playoffs, their chances of re-signing Juan Soto will slip away.

 

Soto is focused on winning, a goal he’s had throughout his career. While he’ll receive enormous offers this offseason, potentially around $600 million from multiple teams, the Yankees have a leg up because they are his former team. Their chances would improve if they show they can be competitive this year, making it harder for Soto to reject a return to a team he believes can stay among the top contenders.

3. Yankees should trade for 2B/OF Jazz Chisholm, Miami Marlins

Rumors have suggested that the Yankees might eventually drop out of the race to acquire Jazz Chisholm Jr. from the Miami Marlins, citing concerns about Chisholm’s outspoken personality and potential clubhouse issues. This is surprising given that the Yankees have recently employed players like Domingo Germán and Aroldis Chapman.

Despite these concerns, the Yankees should reconsider, given their current situation. Chisholm would be a perfect fit for New York with his power hitting, base-stealing ability, and potential as a leadoff hitter. His defensive versatility would also help the Yankees rotate their lineup more effectively.

What many analysts might overlook is the leadership of Aaron Judge. He has managed team dynamics well this year, including resolving a recent conflict between Gleyber Torres and Marcus Stroman. Judge’s leadership could help Chisholm integrate seamlessly and contribute to the team’s success.

2. LHP Garrett Crochet, Chicago White Sox

The Yankees should go all out to acquire Garrett Crochet from the Chicago White Sox. They need an additional starter, particularly given Gerrit Cole’s recent struggles since his return from the injured list. The rotation has been mediocre this season.

Garrett Crochet, however, has been outstanding with a 3.07 ERA, a WHIP under 1.00, and 12.7 strikeouts per nine innings. His stuff is electric, making him one of the toughest pitchers to hit. Despite allowing just 10 earned runs in 35.2 innings since early June, he hasn’t secured a win in that period.

At 25, Crochet offers a strong arm and several more years of team control. He’s a cost-effective option who could be signed to a team-friendly, long-term extension that would cover his arbitration years.

With Crochet likely to be traded soon, the Yankees should do everything necessary to get him. He’s the major acquisition they need, and they should be prepared to offer any prospects required to secure him, especially to fend off competition from teams like the Dodgers.

1. 2B Jonathan India, Cincinnati Reds

The Cincinnati Reds have made it clear that they’re not interested in trading their second baseman, Jonathan India. India is a key leader in the Reds’ clubhouse, known for his intensity, passion, and strong performance this season.

The Yankees are in need of both an infielder and a leadoff hitter, and India fits both roles perfectly, serving as the Reds’ regular second baseman and leadoff hitter. Since being moved to the leadoff spot, India has posted a .265/.376/.414 line, with 16 doubles and a near-equal number of walks and strikeouts. At 27, he has demonstrated notable improvements in defense and leadership, qualities that are increasingly rare in the game.

The Yankees’ current lineup struggles to support star hitters like Juan Soto and Aaron Judge because of a lack of on-base presence in front of them. India’s ability to get on base nearly 40% of the time would make it much harder for opponents to focus solely on these stars.

The Yankees should be willing to offer whatever it takes to acquire India, given his multiple years of affordable team control and the significant impact he could have on their lineup. No prospect should be off-limits in negotiations, as the Reds’ players, fans, and front office are all very fond of India.