Juan Soto, Top MLB Free-Agent Targets for Yankees After Gerrit Cole Contract Decision
Gerrit Cole is staying with the New York Yankees.
Per MLB.com's Mark Feinsand, the veteran starting pitcher agreed to stay with the Yankees on the four-year, $144 million deal he had previously opted out of on Saturday.
New York will now bring back its ace to the rotation after falling short in the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. With Cole returning, here are a few free-agent options for the Bronx Bombers this offseason.
RF Juan Soto
Retaining Juan Soto could be perhaps the best move the Yankees make this offseason.
In his first year with the Bronx Bombers, Soto hit 41 home runs, 109 RBI and a .288 batting average. In the postseason, he had four homers, nine RBI and a .327 batting average.
After New York lost to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series, Soto made it clear he was going to weigh his options in free agency.
"I feel like every team has the same opportunities when I go into free agency," Soto told reporters.
Soto also said he'd "be available for all 30 teams."
Soto is likely going to see seismic offers this offseason, perhaps even from the New York Mets, the Yankees' crosstown rival. If New York wants to return to the Fall Classic next season, re-signing Soto should be a priority.
RP Tanner Scott
One of the biggest pieces New York lacked as it fell short to the Dodgers was an elite left-handed reliever.
The Yankees could get that in Tanner Scott, who finished last season with the San Diego Padres after being traded from the Miami Marlins.
Scott had a 1.75 ERA across 72 innings last season, picking up 84 strikeouts and posting a 1.125 WHIP. He pitched 4.1 innings in the postseason, collecting seven strikeouts and allowing just two hits while giving up no runs for the Padres.
Scott will likely have a high price tag as one of the best relievers in the game, but the Yankees might be willing to pay it if they believe he can help them snap their World Series drought.
SP Spencer Turnbull
While starting pitchers like Corbin Burnes, Blake Snell and others are free agents this offseason, adding Spencer Turnbull makes more sense for the Yankees after Cole's decision.
The 32-year-old started for the Philadelphia Phillies early on last season but moved to the bullpen when Taijuan Walker was healthy. In six starts in April, Turnbull went 2-0 with a 1.67 ERA across 32.1 innings
He was still productive once he transitioned to the bullpen, finishing the 2024 season with a 2.65 ERA and 58 strikeouts in 17 appearances.
If the Yankees sign Turnbull, they could use him out of the bullpen while still having the option to put him in the rotation in case of injury.
1B Josh Bell
Though re-signing Soto is the priority when it comes to position players, adding an infielder is near the top of the priority list as well.
Star first basemen like Pete Alonso are free agents this offseason, but a player like Josh Bell could be a cheaper option for New York.
The 32-year-old Bell had 19 homers, 71 RBI and a .249 batting average across his time with the Miami Marlins and Arizona Diamondbacks a season ago. Though he started off the year a bit shaky at the plate, he had a .279 batting average after joining the Diamondbacks and could give New York a spark on offense.