THE Yankees are preparing for an offseason of strategic moves following their World Series loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers. General manager Brian Cashman and the front office recognize the need to address several issues, including improving interior defense, improving base running efficiency and strengthening the bullpen.

Yankees replace key starters

This offseason, the Yankees need to replace Gleyber Torres, Anthony Rizzo and Alex Verdugo. Cashman didn’t express much enthusiasm about re-signing Torres, who saved the team $14.2 million by leaving. Torres is expected to cost around $18 million per year.

“Obviously he’ll have a lot of conversations with a lot of teams that have needs in that area and that might include us, who knows. But appreciate his efforts while he was here,” Cashman told reporters recently.

Although he was a strong offensive contributor in the second half of the season, his volatility and defensive shortcomings diminish his overall value. The team appears well-positioned on prospect Caleb Durbin, a solid defender, elite baserunner and excellent contact hitter with a 9.9% strikeout rate in Triple-A. Durbin’s athletic profile and potential as a long-term leadoff hitter make him an attractive option.

Rizzo, whose declined club option saved the Yankees $17 million, struggled through 92 games in 2024 due to injuries and age-related decline, hitting just .228 /.301/.335 with eight home runs and 35 RBIs. Although Rizzo’s leadership has been valuable, the Yankees are likely to move on. If he chooses to retire, he could take on a coaching role with the team. To fill out first base, the Yankees have options, including internal candidate Ben Rice and potential free agent acquisitions such as Christian Walker or Carlos Santana, who provide defensive excellence and offensive reliability.

Verdugo, who was acquired from the Red Sox, played in 149 games with a disappointing .233/.291/.356 slash line and 13 home runs. Given his underperformance, the Yankees are expected to part ways and save $8.7 million. Star prospect Jasson Dominguez, pre-arbitration, is expected to take over in the outfield, providing a cost-effective and promising replacement.

Allocation of resources for Juan Soto

The Yankees have about $40 million in additional financial flexibility thanks to these moves, which can help close the gap between Juan Soto’s $31 million salary in his final year of arbitration and the salary projected annual cost of $50 million for its long-term extension. Retaining Soto remains a top priority for the Yankees, as he would provide consistent offensive firepower alongside Aaron Judge.

Explore first base options

With additional funds available, the Yankees could target Christian Walkerwho recently signed a one-year deal worth $10.9 million. At 33, Walker may not require a long-term commitment, making him a viable option. He hit 26 homers last season, posted a 119 wRC+ and showed solid defensive metrics with seven defensive runs saved and 13 putouts above average. While the Diamondbacks offered a qualifying offer of $21 million, a three-year, $60 million contract with a club option for the third year could be a realistic solution for the Yankees.

Strategic planning and timely moves

The Yankees are expected to get creative with restructuring the roster. Extending Soto would be an important move, but the team also aims to quickly address other needs. Soto’s representatives will likely extend negotiations, but the Yankees could seek to secure his commitment quickly in order to better execute their broader offseason strategy and avoid missing out on key targets.