Re-Grading the Yankees' Major 2024 Offseason Moves After Halfway Point
By jhaverford
The New York Yankees had an important offseason for the franchise’s future already showing noteworthy results. General Manager Brian Cashman was under criticism by fans unhappy with last season’s lackluster results and going on fifteen years without a World Series trophy. Major trades and free agent signings showed change was coming to the Bronx.
Each relevant move is worth looking at in depth to figure out what is teetering towards massive success or disappointing failure. 81 games represent the middle of the season with half the games already played. The Yankees look like one of the best teams in the league. A grade will be given to each Yankees offseason move after the halfway point of the 2024 season.
Trading for Juan Soto: A+
The Yankees' trade for Juan Soto has a chance to go down as an all-time great move in the franchise’s history. Soto made game-winning plays in the first series of the year and showcased consistency as a premiere hitter in the MLB. Brian Cashman went all-in on acquiring another All-Star hitter to pair with Aaron Judge after last season’s woeful offense.
Soto was the betting favorite for American League MVP for quite some time until teammate Judge and Baltimore Orioles star Gunner Henderson passed him. However, the Yankees having two of the top three favorites for AL MVP shows why Cashman made the trade. An argument can be made that the Yankees have the two overall best hitters in the entire league.
Incredible numbers of a .305 batting average, .431 on-base percentage, and .563 slugging percentage all make it clear why Soto is delivering. Even games without power numbers will see him getting on base to help the offense on cold nights. Soto is still on pace for over 35 home runs and well over 100 RBIs.
Cashman could not have made a better trade than he did for Soto. Michael King was the biggest piece that could contribute right now, and he was expendable enough to warrant trading for Soto every single time. Reserve Trent Grisham came over in the trade and has helped as a solid reserve in spot starts. The Yankees must sign Soto to a long-term contract for the deal to remain an A+ for many years to come.