The New York Yankees had a contingency plan ready in case their massive offer to Juan Soto fell through, and they wasted no time activating it. After Soto agreed to a groundbreaking 15-year, $765 million contract with the New York Mets, the Yankees shifted gears to bolster their roster through alternative means.
Since losing out on Soto, the Yankees have been among the most active teams in Major League Baseball. The reigning American League champions first signed ace pitcher Max Fried to an eight-year deal. They followed this with a trade for elite closer Devin Williams and acquisitions of former MVPs Cody Bellinger and Paul Goldschmidt, adding considerable talent to their lineup. However, their most ambitious move may still be on the horizon, as reports suggest the Yankees are targeting Toronto Blue Jays slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
Guerrero, a four-time All-Star and son of Hall of Famer Vladimir Guerrero Sr., is coming off an outstanding season. In 2024, he hit a career-high .323 with 30 home runs and 103 RBIs, finishing sixth in AL MVP voting. Despite his individual success, the Blue Jays have struggled, finishing last in the AL East in 2024 and extending their postseason drought to eight years.
For the Yankees, landing Guerrero would solidify their long-term lineup by pairing him with Aaron Judge, the reigning AL MVP. Adding Guerrero would provide significant offensive power and protection for Judge, positioning the Yankees as strong contenders for their 28th World Series title and offering a counter to the growing dominance of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
