Yankees Eyeing Free Agents and Trades

The New York Yankees are aggressively pursuing superstar Juan Soto this offseason, as they aim to retain the outfielder amidst competition from other big-market teams like the Mets and Red Sox. Should they fail to secure Soto, the Yankees are considering backup options, including Baltimore's Anthony Santander and Cleveland's Josh Naylor, the latter being suggested as a potential trade target due to the Yankees' need for a first baseman. Meanwhile, the Cleveland Guardians, who are seeking quality starting pitching, may look to trade Naylor for Yankees pitcher Nestor Cortes or pursue a deal for Cubs ace Justin Steele to bolster their rotation. As the offseason unfolds, the Yankees must also address first base, with potential targets including the highly regarded defensive player Christian Walker from Arizona. With Anthony Rizzo's departure and uncertainty surrounding Soto's future, the Yankees face critical choices in shaping their 2025 roster. Both teams are positioned to make significant moves that could impact their championship aspirations in the upcoming season.