When the New York Yankees were first linked with Juan Soto, though the fans rejoiced they were worried about who they might lose. It was obvious that the San Diego Padres would demand some big stars and prospects for the Dominican slugger. With names like Jasson Dominguez and Anthony Volpe being linked, there was a real sign of worry in the Yankee Nation. Well, it seems they can relax just a little bit.

A top insider recently said that the Yankees have a strict list they’d offer for trade. They believe that their chances with Soto are high due to a variety of reasons. With a deal closer than ever, what plan are the Bronx Bombers following?

Insider says Volpe and Dominguez non tradable for New York Yankees

While the Padres would expect big names for Soto, there is a big advantage that the Bombers hold. The salary of Juan Soto. At almost $32 million, most teams wouldn’t want to trade for the Dominican slugger for just one year of service. With a distinct lack of competition, it’s the Yankees who hold all the cards as the Pads will have to let go of Soto one way or the other.

Jon Heyman recently wrote in the New York Post, “it’s hard to see the Yankees giving up Anthony Volpe or Jasson Dominguez — two players the Padres mentioned. But they could talk about pitchers Michael King and Clarke Schmidt, and/or pitching prospect Drew Thorpe (they prefer to keep King and Thorpe)”  

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Clarke Schmidt had a breakout season in 2023 and firmly established himself as No. 2. But as the Yankees are heavily involved in the Yoshinobu Yamamoto race, they seem okay with trading him. Especially as his low salary and high potential make him attractive.

After his breakout year was cut short due to an injury, fans were worried that Dominguez might leave in this trade especially as he too is an outfielder. Still, there might be a few more players that the Yankees can have on their trade list.

Other possible trading chips for the Pinstripes

Jon Heyman noted that the Bombers prefer to keep Michael King and Drew Thorpe with them. In that case, other players can be removed. According to Brendan Kuty of The Athletic, Everson Pereira and Kyle Higashioka too are players the Yankees are ready to split. They can also offer some of their biggest prospects. Currently, the Pinstripes have a rich prospect pool which they can exploit for deals like this.

Read more: Bellinger and Soto? Could the Yankees Acquire Both as Their Shared Super Agent Vies for Massive Contracts?

Soto would provide them with the necessary star power and would strengthen their hits. The Yankees look like they’re willing to take big steps in order to bring the Dominican into their fold. In the end, the Pinstripes are slowly getting close to winning in their Juan Soto pursuit, as it seems.

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