The New York Yankees won’t want to delay finding a backup plan following Juan Soto’s move to the Mets. With Soto off the market, speculation has started about the Yankees pursuing other outfielders.
They could either sign a top free agent or explore a trade. According to FanSided’s Jacob Mountz, one potential option is Chicago Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki, who could serve as a backup plan in case of need.
“Seiya Suzuki is on the trading block as the Cubs are motivated sellers,” Mountz wrote. “Last season, Suzuki posted a .283/.366/.482 slash line with 21 home runs in 512 at-bats, despite dealing with an oblique injury that briefly impacted his numbers.
His .848 OPS ranked 18th among all hitters, outperforming free agents like Santander, Teoscar Hernandez, and Jurickson Profar.” Suzuki is under contract for $19 million per year for the next two seasons before becoming a free agent.
Suzuki presents an affordable and attractive option for the Yankees. The Cubs are likely open to covering part of his contract to facilitate a trade, and acquiring him wouldn’t likely require giving up a significant prospect haul. While not the biggest splash of the offseason, Suzuki would offer the Yankees a cost-effective way to address their outfield needs.
