Juan Soto not the only major question facing Yankees at Winter Meetings

The New York Yankees are gearing up for the Winter Meetings with one top priority in mind – Juan Soto.

Speculation is running high that Juan Soto will soon make his decision in free agency, a move that could kickstart an offseason that has been relatively quiet so far.

The Yankees have been in talks with various free agents and have made some roster moves, but they are holding off on major decisions until they have clarity on whether they will sign Juan Soto, a free agent who is considered one of the most coveted in MLB history.

During his time with the Yankees last season, Soto made a significant impact, finishing third in AL MVP voting, performing exceptionally well in the postseason, and helping the team make a strong playoff run.

If Soto decides to return to the Yankees, General Manager Brian Cashman will be able to move forward with confidence, knowing that the investment in the superstar has paid off.

However, if Soto chooses another team, such as the Mets, Red Sox, Blue Jays, or Dodgers, the Yankees will need to quickly adjust their offseason plans and reallocate their budget.

Many teams have been waiting for Soto to make his decision before making significant moves in the free-agent market. So far, only a couple of big contracts have been signed, with Soto’s potential deal expected to be the largest.

The Winter Meetings officially kick off at the Hilton Anatole Hotel in Dallas, where the baseball world will gather for what promises to be an eventful few days, pending Soto’s decision.

Aside from the Juan Soto situation, the Yankees also have other key areas of focus for the upcoming week:

What is Plan B?

If Juan Soto does not return to the Yankees, the team will have to quickly address multiple needs in their lineup.

With Gleyber Torres and Anthony Rizzo hitting free agency, the Yankees will need to fill gaps at second base, first base, and potentially third base.

They may also need to consider upgrading their rotation, as well as addressing bullpen needs.

If the Soto deal falls through, the Yankees could explore other options such as Alex Bregman, Christian Walker, Lane Thomas, and Max Fried.

However, all these potential moves will depend on the team’s budget and how much they are willing to spend in the offseason.

How high can the payroll go?

Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner has expressed concerns about exceeding luxury-tax thresholds and overspending on player contracts.

While the team’s payroll has decreased from last season, they will need to carefully consider their spending and balance their budget to remain competitive.

Importing large contracts while also giving opportunities to young prospects could be a strategic approach for the Yankees this offseason.

Will there be roster spots saved for the kids?

The Yankees have promising young prospects like Caleb Durbin and Jasson Dominguez who could potentially contribute to the team in the near future.

Allocating roster spots for these prospects could help the team save on costs while also investing in their future talent pool.

However, the presence of Juan Soto could impact the playing time and development opportunities for these young players.

Is a center fielder needed?

The Yankees may need to address the center field position, especially if Aaron Judge’s defensive capabilities continue to decline.

Options in the free-agent market for center fielders are limited, which could lead the Yankees to consider internal solutions or explore trades for players like Cody Bellinger or Lane Thomas.