Projecting the New York Yankees' Lineup After Juan Soto, Alex Verdugo Trades
The New York Yankees left the Winter Meetings in Nashville with a completely overhauled lineup, thanks to two of the biggest trades the league has seen so far this offseason.
First, they agreed to a rare deal with the Boston Red Sox that netted them veteran outfielder Alex Verdugo. One night later, they completed a blockbuster trade with the San Diego Padres, securing the rights to superstar Juan Soto and Gold Glove winner Trent Grisham.
New York only needed to part ways with one major league bat – backup catcher Kyle Higashioka – in order to bolster their outfield.
The Yankees now have a solidified lineup heading into 2024, and that's with almost three months to go until Spring Training gets underway.
Manager Aaron Boone dropped a few hints at the Winter Meetings in terms of how New York's new pieces will fit with its returning ones.
For instance, Boone said Aaron Judge could take over as the Yankees' everyday center fielder, while Verdugo will get to stay in a corner outfield spot. DJ LeMahieu is also likely to slide over from second to third base with Josh Donaldson gone.
As a result, the Yankees' new lineup is likely to look something like this, according to MLB Network:
1. DJ LeMahieu, 3B
2. Juan Soto, RF
3. Aaron Judge, CF
4. Anthony Rizzo, 1B
5. Gleyber Torres, 2B
6. Giancarlo Stanton, DH
7. Alex Verdugo, LF
8. Austin Wells/Jose Trevino, C
9. Anthony Volpe, SS
Grisham is slated to come off the bench as a defensive fourth outfielder. Top prospect Jasson Dominguez will also be available in the outfield once he recovers from Tommy John surgery.
Soto, Verdugo and Torres are all going to be free agents next winter, barring extensions, so it remains to be seen how long this group will stick together. Rizzo could also hit the open market in 2025 as well, since he has a $17 million team option tacked onto the end his contract.
For the time being, though, the Yankees' lineup has combined for 22 All-Star appearances, 12 Silver Sluggers, 12 Gold Gloves, three batting titles and two MVPs. Their only everyday player who hasn't earned MVP votes before is Volpe, who is 22 years old coming off his rookie season.
New York ranked No. 26 in baseball in runs last season. With their lineup now oozing with star power, the expectation is that their offense and defense will both take major steps forward.
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