The New York Yankees are exploring high-profile additions to their roster. At the forefront is negotiating a long-term deal with superstar slugger Juan Soto, who led the team in runs in 2024; Soto’s next contract could potentially approach $600 million. General manager Brian Cashman is also reportedly interested in veteran free agent Pete Alonso, who would require a substantial nine-figure contract.
While the Yankees aim to assemble a roster capable of returning to the World Series, they face considerable payroll limitations. They’re already committed to over $185 million in salaries for 2025, the second-highest in MLB. Significant portions of this budget are tied up in superstar contracts, including those of Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, and Gerrit Cole, each set to earn $32 million or more. Additionally, they owe $15 million to veteran infielder D.J. LeMahieu in 2025 and again in 2026, though his role on the team is uncertain. Cashman recently expressed doubt about LeMahieu’s ability to contribute significantly next season, despite the financial commitment.
LeMahieu, now entering the fifth season of a six-year, $90 million deal, has an impressive career résumé, including four Gold Gloves, two Silver Sluggers, and three All-Star selections. However, injuries severely limited him in 2024; he played only 67 games with a disappointing .204/.269/.259 slash line, finishing with a -1.6 WAR and missing the playoffs due to a hip injury. After the Yankees moved Jazz Chisholm Jr. to third base following his acquisition, LeMahieu’s future role, even if healthy, remains uncertain. NorthJersey.com’s Pete Caldera suggests the Yankees might move on from LeMahieu despite the remaining $30 million on his contract, although his salary makes a trade unlikely. Any new acquisitions this offseason will likely need to work around LeMahieu’s ongoing payroll impact.
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