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With the New York Yankees' fan base eager to spend owner Hal Steinbrenner's money on acquiring Juan Soto, there are factors to consider before committing to a contract that could exceed half a billion dollars. The potential signing of Soto, a left-handed slugger with generational talent, could seem like the logical top priority for the Yankees. In fact, The Athletic's Tim Britton projected a $611 million, 13-year deal for Soto, which many view as reasonable given his youth and skill. Soto's appeal extends beyond the field, making him a box office sensation on par with Aaron Judge and a likely future Hall of Famer.

However, what's considered reasonable in free agency often comes with a hefty price tag. Soto will not be a budget option, and while the Yankees should indeed enter the bidding war, it's worth pondering if buyer's remorse could follow.

Even Judge, after receiving his 2024 American League MVP Award, nonchalantly remarked, "It ain't my money," a sentiment that perhaps Yankees fans should share. This past season, a significant factor in the Yankees reaching their first World Series since 2009 was Soto hitting ahead of Judge.

Despite his offensive prowess, Soto's defensive capabilities have been a point of concern. Initially, the Yankees aimed to transition Soto from left field to right field at Yankee Stadium, theoretically making his defensive responsibilities easier. However, his performance in right field eventually tapered off, leading to a season finish with minus-5 Outs Above Average (OAA), the sixth-worst among 42 qualified right fielders. This defensive struggle raises questions about his long-term viability in such a critical position.

Additionally, moving Judge to center field was a strategic decision to accommodate Soto. Yet, advanced stats painted a less favorable picture of Judge's performance, showing a minus-6 OAA, the second worst among qualified center fielders. Judge, turning 33 next season, may not sustain center field duties much longer, making a future transition to first base or more time as a designated hitter likely.

Soto's base running also leaves room for improvement. While hitting a career-high 41 home runs in 2024 overshadows his base running, the Yankees struggled collectively, ranking last in base running runs above average. Soto's contribution here was minimal, equating to minus-2 runner runs, a concern albeit not a deal-breaker.

Soto made an arbitration record $31 million last season, representing 9.8 percent of the Yankees' luxury tax payroll of $314.8 million. Comparatively, Judge’s $40 million accounted for 12.7 percent, and Gerrit Cole’s $36 million comprised 11.4 percent. Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner hinted at potential cost-cutting measures, calling such high payrolls "not sustainable."

If the Yankees sign Soto, they may need to find savings elsewhere, with possible cutbacks in positions like third base, second base, first base, left field, and adjustments in the starting rotation and bullpen. This could see prospects like Caleb Durbin and Jasson Domínguez taking on more significant roles.

In conclusion, while the Yankees would have more concerns if they don’t sign Soto than if they do, it's essential to recognize the potential financial and strategic impacts of such a monumental investment.