Against all odds, the New York Yankees have managed to remain protagonists in the American League despite the departure of Juan Soto last offseason. With new additions such as Cody Bellinger, Paul Goldschmidt and Max Fried, the team has found balance, offensive aggressiveness and solidity from the mound.
New York currently leads the race for the first wild card and is only three games away from the lead in the East division, which is dominated by the Toronto Blue Jays. However, if they want to close the gap and return to the absolute top, the offensive of the front office in winter will be key. And while it may seem premature, there are three names that should already be on the Bronx’s radar.
Alex Bregman: The star third baseman would change the game in New York
Few names generate as much attention as Alex Bregman, now with the Boston Red Sox, although his stay in Boston is not assured due to a release clause in his contract. His possible availability makes him an irresistible option. For the Yankees, who have had recurring problems at third base, Bregman would be an immediate and elite solution.
His playoff experience, offensive consistency and ability to lead from the diamond make him a perfect fit for the New York environment. In addition, his track record with the Astros and now with the Red Sox has kept him under constant scrutiny from the New York front office.
Shane Bieber and Munetaka Murakami: Top talent for the rotation and international power
The case of Shane Bieber is particularly interesting. Currently with the Toronto Blue Jays, the former Cy Young winner has a player option for 2026. If he decides to explore free agency, he could be a luxury addition to a rotation that already has Max Fried as a figure. His experience in the division and his ability to pitch in high-pressure scenarios make him a safe bet.
On the other hand, Munetaka Murakami, star of the Tokyo Yakult Swallows, is an international card with explosive potential. At just 25 years of age, he has more than 260 home runs in eight seasons in Japan. He can play both first and third base and although it is not yet confirmed whether he will be posted this winter, the Yankees should be ready to make an aggressive offer if that happens.
The season is still a long way off, but the real work to win a title begins before the first pitch of Opening Day and in a city where only winning matters, the winter is not for resting, but for making decisions that will change the team’s destiny.
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