5 2025 free agents Yankees should already be focused on

Juan Soto

Scott Boras' recent cameo at the GM Meetings proved once and for all that he intends for his client Juan Soto to reach free agency next winter. The super agent claimed that the Padres want more lefties, not fewer (though, of course, they could add more, different left-handers while still clearing Soto's $30 million salary in an odd year).

If Soto hits the trade market this offseason, the Padres won't be able to request the same package they surrendered for the slugger 1.5 years ago. However, just because the return will be diminished doesn't mean they should hold him forever (or at least 'till the deadline) and risk pulling a Shohei Ohtani.

The Yankees' top priority this offseason should be Soto. But, if the Padres insist on being sun-baked Scrooges, he should certainly be atop the team's wishlist when all he costs is money (read: $450 million) next offseason.

The "Young Ted Williams" comparisons have grown stale in recent years only because we've heard them so often, but you don't see this level of power and patience come around in the same young package very often. Remember when Soto had a tough second half in San Diego in 2022, then got off to a "rough start" last season? He rebounded to hit .275 with 35 homers, a .410 OBP, and a 158 OPS+, posting 5.6 bWAR in the process. He'll ask for the moon next winter, and he'll also get it. Even if the Yankees don't get a leg up, they should be all in.