yankees juan soto trade grade

2 min read 23-11-2024

The New York Yankees, perpetually chasing a World Series title, made a splash (or attempted to) by pursuing superstar outfielder Juan Soto. While a trade never materialized in the summer of 2023, the hypothetical remains a compelling discussion. Let's grade a potential Yankees-Soto trade, analyzing the potential benefits, drawbacks, and overall value.

The Allure of Juan Soto

Soto, a generational talent, possesses a rare combination of power, batting average, on-base percentage, and an incredibly young age. Adding him to the Yankees' already potent lineup would have been a significant upgrade, potentially transforming them into an unstoppable offensive force. His ability to get on base, coupled with the power hitting of Aaron Judge and others, would have created a nightmare scenario for opposing pitchers.

Assessing the Cost

Acquiring a player of Soto's caliber would undeniably require a hefty price. The Washington Nationals (Soto's original team) would have demanded a king's ransom in prospects. This would likely have included a combination of top-tier pitching prospects, high-ceiling position players, and possibly even established major leaguers. The Yankees’ farm system, while not depleted, is not overflowing with top-tier talent. Giving up multiple high-potential players would have been a substantial risk, potentially hindering their long-term future.

What the Yankees Would Have Likely Had to Give Up

A realistic trade package might have included prospects such as:

Jasson Dominguez: The Yankees' top prospect, known for his five-tool potential. Giving him up would have been incredibly painful.
Austin Wells: A highly touted catching prospect with impressive offensive skills.
Ken Waldichuk: A young left-handed pitcher showing promise in the Majors.
Other Top Prospects: Depending on the Nationals’ demands, additional high-ranking prospects would almost certainly have been included.

The Potential Impact

Adding Soto to the Yankees' lineup would have instantly elevated their offensive capabilities. However, would this have guaranteed a World Series victory? Absolutely not. Even with an improved offense, the Yankees still needed consistent starting pitching and flawless execution in the playoffs.

While his bat is undeniable, Soto's defensive abilities are considered average at best. The Yankees needed to focus on strengthening their pitching.

The Trade Grade: A Risky B+

Ultimately, a hypothetical trade for Juan Soto would have been a high-risk, high-reward proposition. The potential benefits were immense, elevating the Yankees to a championship contender. However, the cost, in terms of sacrificing significant future assets, would have been substantial.

Considering the long-term implications and the risk involved in depleting their farm system, a B+ grade seems appropriate. It’s a strong grade, reflecting Soto’s undeniable talent. However, it acknowledges the substantial risk involved in a trade of this magnitude. The Yankees likely did well to avoid potentially crippling their future.

Looking Forward

While the Juan Soto trade never happened, the Yankees’ pursuit highlights their desire for championship glory. Future moves will certainly continue to focus on addressing their need for consistent pitching and maintaining a strong farm system. This balance between immediate success and long-term viability is the ultimate challenge for any successful franchise.