Juan Soto is undoubtedly the most intriguing free agent this offseason. THE New York Yankees are one of four teams already scheduled to meet the 26-year-old superstar in Los Angeles. Brian Cashman would love to have him back, as he played a crucial role in the Yankees’ American League Pennant victory.

During the 2024 playoffs, Soto had 16 hits and 31 total bases in 14 games. He posted a 1.101 OPS with 4 HR and 9 RBI. Having the young superstar in the same lineup as Aaron Judge would be the best option to return to the World Series in 2025, but he is accepting offers from various teams.

Cashman’s Plan A is certainly to keep Soto, but he needs to have some fallback plans if he goes elsewhere. Judge will be 33 next season. The Yankees’ window to win a World Series trophy with their new captain is closing. Gerrit Cole is still one of the best pitchers in the game, but he just turned 34 years old. Even if they miss Soto, they need to have big plans this offseason to capitalize on the two foundational superstars they have locked up.

According to the New York Post Mike Pumathe New York Yankees “checked out” the two-time HR Derby champion. If Cashman wanted to replace Soto’s home run, Pete Alonso could be a great option.

Since 2019, Alonso has the second-most HRs in MLB with 226, behind Judge’s 232 HRs. The soon-to-be 30-year-old first baseman is undoubtedly one of the top five power hitters in MLB. In 2022, he and Judge are tied for the most RBIs in baseball with 131 each. Pairing baseball’s two most dangerous home run hitters in the same lineup would scare pitchers.

Not only is Alonso one of the most consistent power hitters, but he is also one of the most durable players in MLB. He played in every Dishes regular season and postseason game in 2024. Throughout his six-year career, he has never missed more than 10 games per season.

New York desperately needs a first baseman. Since Mark Texaria retired, the Yankees have not been able to address this problem consistently. Signing the four-time All-Star to fill that spot and replace Soto’s power alongside Judge could be a perfect option. Cashman could also add elsewhere and fill other holes on the team. Alonso would cost much less than the 26-year-old superstar.

Teoscar Hernández has just had one of his best seasons to date. During his only season with the Los Angeles Dodgershe hit .272, with 33 HR and 99 RBI. He is one of the top free agents available this offseason. If they sign the 32-year-old, it would keep the Yankees among the World Series favorites.

The World Series champion is currently in his prime. He has recorded at least 25 HR and 77 RBI over the last four consecutive seasons. He wouldn’t be the MVP candidate that Soto was, but he would be a force alongside Judge. In Hernández’s best season, in 2021, he brought the Toronto Blue Jays a victory before the playoffs. They finished with a 91-71 record, but the AL East was loaded that season. The two-time All-Star finished the 2021 season with 32 HR and 116 RBI, along with a .296 BA.

Hernández was excellent at the plate with runners in scoring position last season. He posted a .288 BA and hit 11 HR. In the 2024 playoffs, the 32-year-old recorded 3 HR and 12 RBI. He’s not afraid of big moments, and he proved it once again during his 2024 campaign with Los Angeles.

Missing Soto would undoubtedly hurt. Replacing his presence in the lineup with Hernández would be the best option. The 32-year-old is still playing at a high level. If he was on the same roster as Judge, they would be in a great position for 2025 and beyond.

Outside of Francisco Lindor, Willy Adames might be the best power shortstop in MLB. Rumors suggest the 29-year-old is ready to move to third base. Not only could the Yankees lose Soto this offseason, but they could also lose second baseman Gleyber Torres. With Jazz Chisholm Jr. on the roster, they could move him back to his natural position and draft Adames to play third.

In the 2024 season, Adames had his best season. He had a career-high 32 HR and 112 RBI. In two of his last three seasons with the Milwaukee Brewers, he had 30+ HRs and 95 RBIs. Similar to Hernández, Adames is also in the early years of his career.

Adames would be a great fit in the Yankees’ lineup with Judge, but he would also be a versatile option defensively. Anthony Volpe is a phenomenal defensive shortstop, but he’s not there yet offensively. If he has another inconsistent season in 2025, they could move the star free agent there.

The 29-year-old is one of the most intriguing free agents this offseason. He’s not comparable to Soto, but he’s still a star who hasn’t reached his ceiling yet. Signing Adames and another solid addition to the roster this offseason to join Judge could be a way for Cashman to replace Soto’s production.