What do the Yankees do after losing out on Juan Soto?

The New York Yankees' biggest nightmare came true on Sunday night.

Outfielder Juan Soto not only left in free agency, but he signed with the Mets. Soto received a 15-year contract worth $765M, the largest in professional sports history. The Mets sent a statement that they will be a factor in the National League, no matter what it takes.

While the Mets have the impact bat they needed, the Yankees find themselves at a crossroads. As it stands, Aaron Judge would be asked to carry the lineup by himself once again. Catcher Austin Wells, who finished third in the AL Rookie of the Year vote, and infielder Jazz Chisholm are solid complimentary pieces, but the Yankees need someone to pair with Judge.

The Yankees also have numerous holes in the lineup. First baseman Anthony Rizzo battled injuries over the past two years and struggled when he was in the lineup. Second baseman Gleyber Torres, who took over as the Yankees' leadoff hitter down the stretch, is also a free agent. The Yankees need at least one starting outfielder, a starting pitcher and several relievers. There is a lot of work to be done.

The Yankees have options. Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported that first baseman Pete Alonso was considered the backup plan for Soto. The Yankees had been linked to third baseman Alex Bregman ahead of the 2024 trade deadline — he could be an option once again. 

Chris Cotillo from MassLive.com reported that the Yankees are interested in Teoscar Hernandez. As the Yankees were reportedly willing to commit $760M to Soto, they could drastically fortify their lineup at a fraction of the cost.

Losing a generational talent such as Juan Soto will always hurt. However, all hope is not lost for the Yankees.