Juan Soto continued his worldwide Yankees tour by saying they were number 1. And the Bronx will be good for the next five to six years—but what about after that? The decision to sign with the Mets over the Yankees was not just related to money; it was related to trust in long-term success. While the Bronx remains an MLB powerhouse, Soto’s reviews highlight issues related to whether they can sustain their dominance beyond this current competitive window.
If a bright baseball star is wary of their future, do Yankees fans need to be worried? The team still boasts a star-studded roster; however, the cracks are beginning to pop out. Between an aging core and questionable farm system depth with an overreliance on blockbuster signings, could the Yankees be on the verge of a decline? Or will they prove the doubters wrong?
When Juan Soto said, “I know the Yankees are going to be good for the next five, six years. We do not know after that,” he was not just making an offhand remark. He was voicing a concern others around the league share. Bronx’s current core is established to compete right now, but how much of that base will still be standing in 2030? The Yankees’ long-period trajectory raises red flags, specifically when comparing them to teams like the Braves, Dodgers, and Astros. These teams have managed to balance current success with a sustainable future.
The biggest issue? The Yankees’ reliance on aging talents. 32-year-old Aaron Judge, 35-year-old Giancarlo Stanton, 34-year-old Gerrit Cole, and Carlos Rodón at 32 are all locked into long-period contracts. Aaron Judge is still a top-five hitter when healthy. However, his injury history is concerning. Giancarlo Stanton has played more than 120 games just once since 2018. And Carlos Rodón’s first year with the Yankees was a disaster. If these veterans decline and the farm system fails to produce quick replacements, the Bronx could be stuck in a cycle of short-term fixes.
Juan Soto in Sports Illustrated:
“The Yankees were No. 1 from Day One,” but he eventually chose the Mets bc of Steve, the emphasis on family, and trust in long-term success. He said“I know the Yankees are going to be good for the next five, six years. We don’t know after that.”
— kiara (@kiaradidwhat) March 21, 2025
Beyond the roster issue, the farm system is not exactly thriving. While Jasson Domínguez is a promising young talent, the team has struggled to train and manage consistent homegrown talent in current years. The days of Derek Jeter, Bernie Williams, and Jorge Posada establishing the team’s backbone look distant. A farm system ranked 19th by Baseball America does not inspire much confidence for the post-2029 Yankees. If the front office isn’t careful, the team could soon be watching rivals like the Mets build for a future they can’t compete with.
Juan Soto’s decision to choose the Mets
Juan Soto’s decision was not solely related to money; it was related to culture, stability, and trust. Steve Cohen ensured Soto saw a team committed to winning for the next decade. The Mets are not just building a team—they are crafting a team stars can trust. The team’s core featured Francisco Lindor, who blasted 31 home runs and 98 RBIs in 2024, proving his power as an elite shortstop. Pete Alonso added more firepower with 46 home runs and 118 RBIs, solidifying himself as one of the league’s most dangerous sluggers. In addition, Brandon Nimmo posted a stellar 136 OPS and highlighted his capability to get on base and help offensively in multiple ways.
Cohen’s approach also set the Mets apart. He did not just throw money at Soto—he made it personal. Having his father present during negotiations emphasized a family-oriented culture, which resonated with the superstar. Meanwhile, despite boasting Aaron Judge (37 HR, 97 RBI in 2024) and Gerrit Cole (3.15 ERA, 212 K), the Yankees couldn’t provide the same level of long-term certainty. Now, with Juan Soto gone, the team needs to address a pressing question—are they still the top place for the elite? Or has the power shifted across town?
Juan Soto’s decision to turn away from the Yankees needs to act as a wake-up call. His concerns related to their future highlight the need for a better long-term plan. The team further needs to focus on powerful player enhancement and smarter roster construction.
What do you think—are the Yankees built for long-term success, or is their window closing faster than they realize?
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