“They are better off without Juan Soto" – MLB analyst on Yankees’ offseason moves and flexibility after missing out on 4x All-Star

As the New York Yankees go through the aftermath of Juan Soto's signing with the New York Mets, MLB analysts are weighing in on the outcomes for the team's offseason strategy.

Soto's record-breaking 15-year, $765 million contract has left a big gap in the Yankees' plans, but some analysts argue that missing out on the 4x All-Star may ultimately benefit the team in the long run.

On Wednesday, "Foul Territory," a well known baseball podcast, posted a video that posed an important question regarding the Yankees' loss of Juan Soto. The question that was written in the post was:

"Do you think the Yankees are better off without Juan Soto?"

The video revolved around the discussion between former Minnesota Twins catcher A.J. Pierzynski and former Philadelphia Phillies catcher Erik Kratz about the New York Yankees losing Soto this offseason.

"They missed out on Juan Soto. Now are they better? I think they are a better team now with (Max) Fried, Devin Williams and Cody Bellinger than they were with just Juan Soto. Them missing out, as we said, kind of at the time, some people said it might be a blessing in disguise for the Yankees over the long haul," said Pierzynski.

"Yes, I know the Mets season tickets are through the roof. Whoop dee doo da they should be. The Yankees season tickets are going to be through the roof, too. When you look at their starting rotation. They now have a lockdown closer, and they have a center fielder, slash first baseman in a guy that people know," stated Pierzynski.

"I think right now, if the Yankees do more, the Yankees are winning this offseason," he concluded.

Pierzynski's take on the Yankees missing out on Soto and their current situation in the offseason was backed by Kratz as he also shared a similar opinion.

"What is the biggest issue? Obviously, it came to light in the World Series. The Yankees were not athletic. They were not versatile enough. Now they got a lot more versatility. They put their athleticism out there with Cody. I know he only had I think nine stolen bases or something last year, but he can play different positions at a Gold Glove level," said Kratz.

"Juan can't do that. They're going to miss his bat. Nobody can deny the fact that they are going to miss what Juan Soto brought to that team. He helped Aaron Judge win an MVP. Hitting behind him the whole year. To me, I agree with you, AJ. They are better off without Juan and they are way more flexible now," he explained.

The New York Yankees enjoyed a short stint of Juan Soto

Juan Soto - Image via Getty

Juan Soto joined the New York Yankees in December 2023 from the San Diego Padres. As he only had a one year deal with the Yankees he became a free agent at the end of the 2024 season.

He played 157 games for the Yankees in the 2024 season. He managed to hit .288/.419/.569 in his first season with them, along with 109 RBI, 41 homers and 7 stolen bases.

As soon as he became a free agent, a lot of uncertainty and anticipation regarding his future was created. The Yankees obviously wanted him back and offered a huge deal worth $760 million over 16 years.

Despite the huge offer, the anticipation and uncertainty finally ended on Dec. 8 as Juan Soto agreed to a record-breaking historic deal with the the Mets. The deal was worth $765 million in exchange for 15 years.

Now that he will be wearing the Mets uniform next season, it would be worth noting how he would prove his big price tag through his performances. After all, he is coming off of a decent 2024 season with the Yankees that would surely keep him in the spotlight.