Yankees' 2024 offseason acquisitions rated

The Yankees have made significant moves during this offseason, highlighted by the acquisition of Juan Soto in a major trade. While they may not be crowned winter valedictorians like the Dodgers, these moves represent a positive step towards reshaping the team after a lackluster season.

Last season, the Yankees struggled with injuries, underperformance, and unpreparedness, resulting in a disappointing 82-80 record and missing the playoffs. With an average of only 4.15 runs per game, better than just five teams, the need for offensive firepower was evident.

Enter Juan Soto, a game-changing addition to the lineup. Soto’s patient approach and power hitting, evidenced by his career-best 35 homers last season, bring much-needed balance to the team. His ability to utilize all fields, combined with the dimensions of Yankee Stadium, bodes well for increasing his home run production. Additionally, Soto’s presence on base will complement Aaron Judge’s power hitting and inject energy into a fan base that has grown disenchanted.

The trade not only brought Soto but also Trent Grisham, a two-time Gold Glove winner known for his outfield prowess. While Grisham’s offensive numbers may not be stellar, his defensive abilities will provide valuable support, particularly in late-game situations where Judge can shift to a corner outfield spot.

Overall, the Juan Soto trade receives top marks, reflecting the magnitude of the move and its potential impact on the team’s performance. While there may be concerns about Soto’s impending free agency and the cost of the trade, the Yankees’ boldness in making such a significant move demonstrates their commitment to success.

Looking ahead, the Yankees have also addressed their pitching needs by adding Marcus Stroman to the rotation. However, there may still be room for improvement, with the team potentially exploring further options if prices become more favorable.

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Signing Marcus Stroman

Grade: B-plus

Marcus Stroman, at the age of 32, secured a lucrative two-year contract worth $37 million with the Yankees following his stint with the Chicago Cubs. During his time in Chicago, Stroman compiled a record of 10-9 with a respectable 3.95 ERA across 27 games, 25 of which he started. Despite missing the 2020 pandemic season, Stroman demonstrated consistency, averaging nearly 138 innings per season from 2019 to 2023, with an impressive 3.38 ERA during that span.

Stroman’s ability to induce ground balls sets him apart, boasting a ground-ball rate of 57.4% last season, significantly higher than the league average of 42.3%. This attribute aligns well with the Yankees’ strategy and could make him a reliable asset in their pitching rotation, potentially slotting in behind ace Gerrit Cole.

What, no other big pitching move?

Grade: C

While the Yankees made strides in bolstering their pitching depth with acquisitions such as Luke Weaver, Cody Morris, and Cody Poteet, questions linger regarding their overall pitching strategy. The departure of four pitchers to San Diego as part of the Juan Soto trade and three to Boston for Alex Verdugo has raised concerns about the team’s pitching reserves. Additionally, the uncertainty surrounding the return to form of Carlos Rodon and Nestor Cortes, who struggled with injuries and performance issues last season, adds further complexity to the situation.

Despite attempts to pursue top-tier talent like Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who ultimately chose the Dodgers, the Yankees find themselves in a pivotal season without a significant pitching acquisition. As the team navigates the challenges ahead, the decision not to make additional moves in such a crucial offseason raises questions about their readiness to compete at the highest level.

The Alex Verdugo trade

Grade: C

In a notable exchange between rivals, the Yankees acquired Alex Verdugo from the Red Sox in exchange for Richard Fitts, Greg Weissert from Fordham, and Nicholas Judice. The ultimate assessment of this trade will hinge on the performance of the incoming Red Sox players and what the Yankees glean from Verdugo’s one-year tenure. While it’s advantageous that Verdugo bats left-handed, his recent performance has been only slightly above MLB average, with an OPS+ of 101 over the past two years. However, it’s worth noting his tally of 76 doubles during that period.

Two Dodger deals

Grade: B

The Yankees engaged in two trades with the Dodgers this offseason, both potentially fortifying their bullpen. In one transaction, the Yankees sent Trey Sweeney to Los Angeles in exchange for left-handed reliever Victor Gonzalez and infielder Jorbit Vivas. In the other, they traded Matt Gage and Christian Zazueta for southpaw Caleb Ferguson.

Gonzalez boasts a career 3.22 ERA in 89.1 innings and has surrendered just five home runs in 93 MLB appearances. Ferguson, primarily a reliever, holds a 2.58 ERA over the past two seasons, ranking sixth-lowest among lefty relievers in MLB during that timeframe.

Estevan Florial’s exit

Grade: C

With the influx of new outfield talent, Estevan Florial faced limited opportunities to secure a spot on the Yankees’ roster and was subsequently traded to Cleveland for Cody Morris, a potential pitching asset. However, the grade for this trade is influenced by the sentiment that Florial, a promising left-handed hitting center fielder, never received a genuine opportunity in New York. Despite displaying tools and potential, Florial’s playing time with the Yankees was sporadic, and he struggled to establish himself with only 48 games spread over four seasons. While his prospect status may have diminished, his impressive performance in Triple-A in 2023 suggests untapped potential for the Guardians.