The Yankees are exploring all options after missing out on Juan Soto

DALLAS – Brian Cashman got back to work Monday as the Yankees general manager tries to plan his next moves after Juan Soto decided to sign with the crosstown rival Mets.

With Soto’s decision made, Cashman turned his attention to the free agent class and potential players on the trade market to make the necessary moves that will help the Yankees return to the World Series.

“Soto was unique; a one-of-a-kind piece,” Cashman said. “Now we’re back to the reality of that player pool and trying to find the comfortable games – and it’s not easy to find comfortable games in free agency. Usually you have to step out of your comfort zone. At the same time, we will not be drunken sailors. … Hopefully we come across some things that can help us.”

Left field is another area of ​​need, although sources say the Yankees could try to acquire Bellinger in a trade with the Cubs and move him to that position. Another name to keep an eye on: Tucker. The Astros’ three-time All-Star is a potential trade candidate, and sources say the Yankees could be among the teams trying to acquire him.

However, acquiring Tucker — who will be a free agent at the end of the 2025 season — could be a dangerous proposition for the Yankees, who traded for Soto in the same situation last winter and then watched him trade to the Mets this week . Giving up a premium package of young players for a one-year rental would be a risky proposition, although New York could always ask the league for a 72-hour window to discuss an extension with Tucker before finalizing a contract.

The Yankees need an infielder at either second or third base, with Jazz Chisholm Jr. — who Cashman says will remain in the infield in 2025 — capable of filling either spot depending on who they bring in.

One possibility is Bregman, the top infielder on the free-agent market who the Yankees are reportedly interested in. A source said that while the Yankees’ fan base – and some of their players and executives – have been critical of the Astros players involved in the 2017 sign-stealing scandal in the past, that would not stop the Yankees from pursuing Bregman if they felt he was the right addition to the squad.

Another trade candidate is Arenado, although the eight-time All-Star and 10-time Gold Glove Award winner has a full no-trade clause in his three-year, $74 million contract with the Cardinals. The Yankees are also said to be interested in Walker filling the void at first base, although Pete Alonso appears not to be on their radar.

On the pitching side, New York is expected to be active in both the rotation and bullpen markets. Sources say Fried is likely at the top of their wish list, while Tanner Scott could be their top bullpen target.

“What’s the next opportunity?” Cashman said. “We need to fix a lot of different areas on this team; We have free agency openings, so we look at both industries and free agents and compare those to our internal options that we could promote. These are the decisions we have to make.”

Corbin Burnes and Fried head a group of impressive pitchers still available in free agency, but a number of trade candidates have emerged that could shake up the starting pitcher market in the coming days and weeks.

The White Sox were expected to trade Garrett Crochet this winter, and while several teams continue to pursue Chicago for the left-hander, there are suddenly more weapons available, giving suitors other alternatives.

The White Sox have received a number of hits on Crochet from clubs like the Brewers, Reds, Yankees and Mets, and while a trade is possible before the end of the Winter Meetings, a source said Monday that nothing further has been finalized.

“I’m not sure they really want to do a deal,” a rival manager said of the White Sox, citing Chicago’s asking price for Crochet. “There seems to be more and more pitches on the trade market that teams are motivated to make a move at this point.”

Castillo is signed for $68.25 million over the next three years, with a vesting option for 2028 if he throws 180 innings during the 2027 season. The Mariners have a ton of starting pitchers and need a bat, making Castillo a logical move to acquire an impact hitter.

Gray is scheduled to make $25 million in 2025 and $35 million in 2026, with a club option of $30 million for 2026.

Cease and Valdez will be eligible for arbitration for the last time this winter and will become free agents next offseason. Like Crochet, Luzardo will be under the club’s control for two more years before becoming a free agent.

While Crochet is one of the league’s most popular trade targets, the White Sox have drawn significant interest in Luis Robert Jr., who has one year and $15 million left on his contract, plus $20 million in club options for the 2026 seasons and 2027.

Robert had his breakout season in 2023, hitting 38 home runs with 80 RBIs, 20 stolen bases and an OPS of .857 in 145 games. He took a step back in 2024, hitting 14 home runs with 35 RBIs, 23 steals and a .657 OPS in 100 games. But despite Robert’s struggles last season, a source said Chicago only plans to move the outfielder if they are confident they are getting full market value for him.