Many Yankee fans celebrated the Juan Soto trade as a symbol of the Bombers finally acting like the Evil Empire once again, and making a big splash to bring in a bonafide superstar.
But Brian Cashman sees it as the continuation of what has always been part of the Yankee DNA.
“It's another manifestation of the Steinbrenner legacy. George Steinbrenner always felt the best players in the world should play here for the Yankees,” Cashman said. “Obviously, Hal Steinbrenner and Jenny and Jessica have continued those efforts. Juan Soto is the latest example of that.
“The Steinbrenner DNA has always been willing to go all in.”
Going all in means pushing to win a title in the here and now, and that is exactly what Cashman believes the Yankees are accomplishing by acquiring Soto, who creates a superstar tandem in the outfield with Aaron Judge.
“Significantly better, no doubt about it,” Cashman said. “On a scouting scale alone of 20-80, how many teams can say they’re running out two 8s in their outfield in a Judge and Soto?
“It significantly upgrades us without a doubt. The other great thing about the crazy eights is that one if left-handed and one is right-handed. That creates a tougher lineup to navigate for opposing pitchers.”
Cashman urged that there is more work to be done when speaking with reporters on a Thursday Zoom call, but making a splash like Soto after adding Alex Verdugo days prior has the team off to a good start to try and correct what Cashman himself called a “disaster” of a season in 2023.
“The future is always now,” Cashman said. “2024 is our focus and trying to become that last team standing once again.
“That’s what the Yankees are all about. How to best position us for 2024, or our very next season.”