2023 was another poor year for the New York Yankees. The 2009 World Series winners failed to qualify for the playoffs, even after spending the second highest in the league. It raised questions about the planning and execution behind the scenes, with blame falling on the management. Even Yankees captain Aaron Judge advocated for addressing the shortcomings and making a few changes starting from the postseason, which now has begun.

Notably, with the end of the 2023 season, several Bronx players have become free agents. Reports further suggest the Yankees will not sign them again for the 2024 season and will look for replacements in the market. Given their interest in Juan Soto, it is not surprising. However, it won’t be a straightforward task because everyone wants in on the star slugger. But if the Yankees make a  move, what are the other options for them for a solid off-season as they prepare for the upcoming season?

The New York Yankees Are Seven Players Short of the $280 Million Squad

Everyone thought the 2023 would be a season of the New York Yankees, but that was not the case. They failed badly with a $280 million squad, where only a few players could justify their payrolls. Fans hope that the disappointment will not persist in 2024 and that the club will not re-sign them. The same seems to be true, with seven players becoming free agents after the World Series.

Isiah Kiner-Falefa and Luis Severino are the most interesting for many. Though both players had a mixed season, their contribution to wins was visible. If they leave, the Yankees need to sign players who will be truly good replacements. But what are the options for them? Juan Soto, certainly.

Notably, Soto has been on the Yankees’ target list for months now. Although his team failed to do well, the outfielder had a decent season individually. He finished with an average of 0.275 and 109 RBIs to his name. Soto also matches the requirements of New York and has the backing of Derek Jeter and Judge.

What about the rest?

Five Players, Including Cody Bellinger and Shohei Ohtani, That Can Become Part of the 2024 Squad

It has been a unique story for the New York Yankees who missed the postseason after a terrible season. Finally wanting to make a drastic change, the off-season is helping them this time with the availability of multiple star players, including Cody Bellinger and Shohei Ohtani.

The special thing about the two-way phenom is that he checks both offensive and defensive boxes. He can be a great addition to the team, but Shotime’s contract may pose a problem. However, that is not the case with Cody Bellinger. The outfielder averaged over 0.300 this season and was great while defending. With his contract evaluation staying around 20 million a year, he is another target that fits the Yankees’ offensive and defensive demands.

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Given the release of Severino, the Yankees have a place for pitchers on the team. Although there is an interest in Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the involvement of many teams has complicated the situation. This is where Jordan Montgomery comes into the mix.

His World Series win also adds to his caliber as he made a mark in the postseason. With multiple players available, the Yankees will have good options to rebuild. But will they make an extra effort to sign them all?

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