Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey platform engaging fans from across Major League Baseball. Throughout the year, we pose questions to the most engaged New York Yankees supporters and fans nationwide. You can sign up here to join the weekly emailed surveys.
No team faces greater pressure this offseason than the Yankees, for reasons that are all too familiar. With that in mind, we’ve prepared a set of questions to evaluate not only the situation with Juan Soto but also the alternatives the team should consider if Soto doesn’t return.
Realistically, there’s little standing in the way of the Yankees, the league’s biggest franchise, bringing Soto back. However, the significant possibility of him signing elsewhere cannot be ignored. Interestingly, the fan base appears divided on how to view the offseason if Soto departs.
One might have expected more than just 51 percent feeling optimistic about retaining him, but this figure reflects a grounded understanding of the challenges ahead. All signs suggest the road to keeping Soto will be far from easy.
While the Yankees have every incentive to offer Soto a massive deal, the Mets boast comparable financial firepower and fewer long-term commitments. It’s entirely plausible that the Yankees hit their limit, only for the Mets to swoop in with a larger offer, ending the pursuit.
Reflecting on Aaron Judge’s free agency, the stakes for Soto’s departure feel somewhat lower. When Judge was on the market, the potential fallout seemed much greater due to his years of MVP-caliber play in pinstripes. In contrast, Soto has had just a single season to leave his mark, though that season elevated the Yankees to levels not seen in over a decade.
Should Soto leave, there’s no other elite hitter available to fill the void. The poll results illustrate this, showing a divided fan base regarding the best replacement options—all of whom are infielders. While adding a top starter like Corbin Burnes would be a bold move in the AL East, filling the lineup gap left by Soto remains the greater priority.
Beyond the listed candidates, other intriguing options received significant support, with Blake Snell, Max Fried, and Roki Sasaki standing out as outstanding pitchers. Even hitters like Teoscar Hernández warrant consideration.
With major free agents, the simplest solution is often the best. It’s hard to envision Soto leaving New York entirely. The poll reflects this sentiment, with over 70 percent of voters favoring either the Yankees or Mets, though the Yankees hold a slight edge. Still, the tight margin underscores the expectation of a close race. Outside contenders like the Blue Jays, who pursued Shohei Ohtani and have the financial flexibility to make a competitive bid, could also be in play.
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