The New York Yankees are facing the upcoming season without star player Juan Soto, but according to former outfielder Johnny Damon, this might not be such a bad thing. In an interview with TMZ Sports, Damon expressed his belief that the Yankees could actually benefit from Soto’s absence.
Damon, a two-time World Series champion with the Yankees, shared his thoughts on the team’s potential following Soto’s move to the Mets. He suggested that the Yankees now have the opportunity to redirect the $750 million they had allocated for Soto towards acquiring multiple key players who could strengthen the team for the 2025 season.
“The Yankees could have dodged a bullet on this one,” Damon remarked. “This could be huge for them.”
In response to Soto’s departure, the Yankees wasted no time in making a significant investment by signing former Braves pitcher Max Fried to a $218 million deal. Damon indicated that this move could be just the beginning, as he expects the team to continue making strategic signings, potentially including coveted Mets free agent Pete Alonso.
“I think at the end of the day, you’re going to have a better team,” Damon predicted.
While Damon acknowledged that Soto may thrive with the Mets, he cautioned New York fans that the slugger’s performance could be impacted by the change in league and ballpark. Nonetheless, Damon expressed confidence in Soto’s abilities and predicted that he would continue to excel in Queens.
As the Yankees prepare for the upcoming season, Damon will be keeping a close eye on their progress, likely while enjoying a few beverages from his A-GAME line. The former outfielder’s perspective offers an intriguing take on the Yankees’ future without Soto and the potential for a stronger team in the seasons to come.
