"Juan Soto did Yankees a favor" - Ex-MLB catcher claims $765,000,000 star snubbing Bronx helped them acquire Paul Goldschmidt and other good pieces

Had the New York Yankees signed Juan Soto similar to a record deal (15-year, $765 million) he struck with the New York Mets, the club couldn't have signed other free agents, which they did like Max Fried and Paul Goldschmidt while also acquiring Cody Bellinger from the Chicago Cubs. That's according to MLB analyst Chris Gimenez.

The former MLB catcher revealed his thoughts on MLB Network Radio on Thursday, detailing the Yankees signing Goldschmidt, a former MVP, who's coming off a 22-home run season.

"I think he did the Yankees a favor because it allowed them to go after quality veteran guys like Paul Goldschmidt and some of the other pieces they’ve brought in this offseason," Gimenez said.

"To me, this is the right move at the right time for not only the Yankees but also Goldie."

Gimenez further delved into Goldschmidt who can "take pressure off guys like Aaron Judge, even though Judge has no issue with pressure at all."

"You now have a first baseman you can feel very confident in, much like Anthony Rizzo was last year when he was healthy and on the field," Gimenez added. "And the best part for Goldie is that he doesn’t have to be relied on as the offensive juggernaut in the lineup.

"Now, he can go out there and work his way through things. I do think changing leagues has some adjustment period, so we might expect a bit of a lull initially, but he’s still a good enough hitter. He still has the ability, body, and bat to get the job done in that ballpark."

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Signings Yankees could do, thanks to shoring up money for Juan Soto

By the first few bright months following a trade with the San Deigo Padres, the Yankees knew they'd go all-in to sign Juan Soto in free agency.

They even went up to an offer as high as 16-year, $760 million but couldn't match the Mets' winning bid, resulting in them being left with lots of money that they had cleared to sign the outfielder.

They pivoted to their first signing of the offseason, agreeing an eight-year, $218 million deal with southpaw Max Fried. Next, they signed Paul Goldschmidt to a one-year, $12.5 million deal.

In another move, they traded for Cody Bellinger from the Chicago Cubs for right-hander Cody Poteet. The Cubs also send $5 million in cash considerations to cover Bellinger's salary.

Ironically, the absence of Juan Soto may have paved the way for a more balanced and well-rounded roster for the Yankees.