Yankees’ Soto Saga: A Golden Opportunity or Threat?

We’re in Week 5 of the Juan Soto sweepstakes, and with every report, the Yankees appear more vulnerable to losing him. The Dodgers, meanwhile, are rumored to be weighing potential trades for at least three stars.

FOX Sports MLB experts Deesha Thosar and Rowan Kavner weigh in on the topics of trade targets, free agency, and rule changes in the latest roundtable.

Trade Targets

• The Dodgers are rumored to be interested in trading for Cody Bellinger, Carlos Correa, or Nolan Arenado. Kavner ranks them in order of preference as Correa, Arenado, and then Bellinger. He believes Correa would provide the most upside and certainty in the infield. Thosar, on the other hand, prefers Bellinger, citing his versatility and the Dodgers’ need for him in the outfield.

Juan Soto

• Thosar believes the Yankees must sign Soto, citing the team’s lack of depth and the need for a difference-making player. She suggests that if the Yankees miss out on Soto, they should focus on signing two impact bats, including a corner infielder, and a difference-making starter.
• Kavner, however, predicts that the Yankees will sign Juan Soto, but if they don’t, they should focus on saving the offense by signing players like Christian Walker or Alex Bregman.

Free Agency

• Willy Adames is considered one of the top free agent shortstops. Kavner believes Adames would make the biggest difference for the San Francisco Giants, citing their need for a difference-making piece in the middle of the order. Thosar, on the other hand, thinks Adames would be a great fit for the Mets, allowing them to pair him with Francisco Lindor.
• Pete Alonso is considered a top free agent first baseman. Kavner believes Alonso is a better buy than Christian Walker, citing his power and consistent production. Thosar, however, prefers Walker, citing his age and the fact that he has been a more valuable player than Alonso over the past three years.

Rule Changes

• MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred has suggested the possibility of adding a "Golden At-Bat" rule, which would allow teams to use anyone in their lineup for one at-bat per game, regardless of where they’re at in the order. Thosar is strongly against the idea, citing the importance of teamwork and the potential to minimize the importance of each player’s role. Kavner is also skeptical, citing the potential to alter the game in a way that is too drastic.