The New York Yankees have a solid chance to win the World Series this season, but theyâll have a lot of tough decisions to make when Major League Baseballâs 2024 season ends and star and teammate Aaron Judge makes a decision.
The Yankees likely wonât look the same and the biggest question mark surrounding the club is the future of standout slugger Juan Soto. Soto has been an incredible addition to the Yankees and they wouldnât be in the position theyâre in now if they hadnât acquired him, despite this, they have other decisions to make.
The pitching market is somewhat complicated in the MLB and the Yankees want to secure one of their strong cards in the teamâs rotation, to have guarantees of continuing to give war in the coming season.
Who is Aaron Judgeâs Yankees teammate who is expected to stay with the team for 2025?
Star pitcher Gerrit Cole is Aaron Judgeâs teammate who would be willing to stay with the New York Yankees. According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, he doesnât think Cole will go to any other team.
New York Yankees starting pitcher Gerrit Cole 45 is throwing during the first inning of the baseball game against the New York Mets. IMAGO / NurPhoto
âThe starting pitching market isnât terrible,â Heyman said. âAces Corbin Burnes, Max Fried, and presumably Blake Snell are at the top, assuming Snell opts out of his deal, too, and Gerrit Cole remains a Yankee either by opting in or by the Yankees adding a year as allowed in his unusual contract. Other impactful starters who may also hit free agency include Nate Eovaldi, Jack Flaherty, Yusei Kikuchi, Nick Pivetta, and the Metsâ own Luis Severino. Itâs a decent list, sure. But about 29 out of 30 teams will be seeking rotation help, so the demand will again easily outstrip the supply.â Heyman Added.
How does it benefit the Yankees if superstar Gerrit Cole stays on the team?
Cole is an undisputed ace, capable of dominating any offensive line in the Major Leagues. His presence in the rotation provides unmatched stability and confidence, which is critical to aiming for a World Series title. Beyond his numbers on the mound, Cole is a born leader and an example for his teammates. If the Yankees can retain Cole, they will be ensuring the stability of their rotation for the next few years. This would allow them to build a strong and competitive team in the long run.
What will happen to Juan Soto?
Juan Sotoâs situation is more complicated. The young slugger is eligible for free agency after the 2024 season and the Yankees will have to make a tough decision about whether they want to keep him. Soto has proven to be one of the best hitters in the league and is a key player for the Yankeesâ future. However, the cost of retaining Soto could be very high, especially if he decides to explore the open market.
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Yankeesâ Aaron Judge and Juan Soto blast back-to-back homers, approaching a historic milestone
The Yankees have a strong base of young talent, but theyâll need to make smart decisions to stay competitive for years to come. The teamâs management will have to carefully evaluate the options available and make the right decisions to ensure the future success of the franchise.
