Tuesday Discussion: Soto or Robert, Jr.?

December 5, 2023

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This week we aksed our writers to respond to the following:

Given a choice between the two, which player would you rather have on the Yankees going forward: Juan Soto or Luis Robert, Jr.?

Here are their replies:

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Lincoln Mitchell - If the Yankees are serious about contending in 2024, they need to add two outfielders, so they should get both players.

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Derek McAdam - While I think Juan Soto is the better fit for the Yankees, as well as a left-handed batter than they could add to their lineup, I would actually rather take Luis Robert, Jr. With Soto, the Yankees would have a one-year rental unless they were to sign him to an extension, which is going to be a big price. Robert is under team control through 2027 and although he may not put up the exact numbers as Soto would, his contract value would be much better for the Yankees.

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Cary Greene - I'll preface my answer with a single thought: Pitching wins championships. The Yankees have numerous issues right now. The lineup is admittedly awful and the rotation needs help as well, while the bullpen could also use a number of upgrades. Trading for Soto before the starting rotation is figured out would be a big mistake. While he helps the offense, he's basically a DH who's about to become uber expensive and last I looked, the Yankees still have the untradeable Giancarlo Stanton clogging the DH spot.

Given the $77.3 MTV Trade cost of Robert, I'm not in support of the Yankees looking to pull off what would be a farm system scuttling deal with the White Sox, simply to add Robert in an offseason where Cody Bellinger is available. Granted, Jasson Dominguez is out for most, if not all of 2024 but I think the appropriate plan this winter for the Yankees is to double down on their youth movement. Estevan Florial might be a good place holder for Dominguez, why not give him an actual shot? Judge can also play above average center field if needed as well, while Florial can play some corner outfield, as can Everson Pereira.

I'm not minimizing that Soto would be a great addition to the Yankees lineup, but the Yankees need a top notch starting rotation more than they need a DH, seeing as how they already have Stanton. Meanwhile, Mike King is looking like he might wind up being a #2 or #3 starter and that my friends, makes him more valuable than a one-year rental DH (Soto). Soto can be signed as a free agent in the 2024 offseason and the Yankees could keep King around.

Point blank, if I were the Yankees GM I personally wouldn't trade for Soto if the Padres are demanding Mike King instead of Clarke Schmidt as the centerpiece in a potential deal. Keeping King and signing Cody Bellinger is presently the best move for the Yankees, unless they can magically land Ohtani and or Trout.

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Paul Semendinger - This is a no-brianer for me. A no-brainer. JUAN SOTO. How many chances does a team have to get a 25-year-old superstar? This isn't just a player who is an amazing hitter... he ranks #19 in the history of baseball in On-Base Percentage. In the history of the game, only 18 players have gotten on base at a better rate. He plays in 150 games a year. He averages 30+ homers a season. He hits left-handede. He has a presence. The kid would own New York. If he comes to New York, they'll name a candy bar after him. He is the straw that the Yankees need to help stir the drink. The Yankees passed on Bryce Harper. They can't let Soto get away. Trade for him and then sign him to a big money extension for 8 years, or 10... who cares? Get him, sign him.

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Mike Whiteman - My preference is Soto. His power lefty bat and high OBP are desperately needed. I also think his presence could have a contagious effect on other hitters, and help the offense to jell.

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Ethan Semendinger - Luis Robert Jr. has played over 100 games once. Luis Robert Jr. has had an OPS over .320 once. Luis Robert Jr. has had a .300+ AVG once. Luis Robert Jr. has had 4+ bWAR once. He is also a right-handed hitter.

Juan Soto has played 100+ games 5 times. Juan Soto has had an OPS over .400 in EVERY season he has played. Juan Soto has had a .300+ AVG 3 times. Juan Soto has had 3 seasons with a 5+ bWAR. He is also a left-handed hitter.

The answer is obvious: Juan Soto.