Suzyn Waldman joined BT and Sal on Tuesday and gave her detailed backup plan for the Yankees now that Juan Soto is reportedly heading to Queens.
First, Suzyn would address the corner infield spots with a pair of veterans who have aging concerns, but she believes can still offer plenty in the short term, particularly on the defensive side.
“Everyone’s talking about first base. I know Pete Alonso is out there, but I’d go get Christian Walker right now,” Suzyn said. “He’s older, so you wouldn’t have to ay much for him, but he’s not older baseball wise. He’s gotten better and better every year.
“The other person I go get immediately - immediately - is Nolan Arenado...he’d fit in beautifully over there, and then you have your defense.”
Arenado would have to be acquired via trade, but Suzyn believes the change of scenery and injection into a club that expects to contend could bring new life into Arenado’s former elite bat. She would also pursue another National Leaguer who could be available via trade.
“Cody Bellinger, put him in center field, and you can give Walker a day off and put him at first base if you need,” Suzyn said before adding another potential outfield addition to replace Alex Verdugo.
“How about putting Jurickson Profar in left field? This is a great person to have in a clubhouse.”
As for the pitching side, Suzyn would focus on the bullpen, as Clay Holmes is gone and Suzyn says it can’t be expected that Luke Weaver will be able to replicate his breakout 2024 campaign.
“If you go get Tanner Scott or Devin Williams, or even both, then what do you got?” Suzyn said. “You got all kinds of people.”