THE YANKEES ARE ENGAGED WITH TOP TIER TALENT!

It's REALLY early but for once, it's nice to hear some rumors about the Yankees talking to difference makers. I'm so tired of Brian Cashman shopping for bottom of the barrel guys in hopes of catching lightening in a bottle. It never works.

There are some eye-catching names that are available this winter. We all know everyone is checking in on Juan Soto, but there's other interesting names out there, which is what we all want to hear. I thought last year it was pretty uninteresting. Soto will be a nice catch for someone, but he isn't the only nice target out there.

So, the Yankees have to be smart about this. They can't stay hyper focused on Soto, we need a lot of upgrades. So, the Yankees are laying the groundwork, read more HERE. It's too early to get super excited about any leads yet but the Yankees are making calls, and a top end of the rotation starting pitcher appears to be on the wish list. If we could add a Corbin Burnes or Max Fried to the rotation, it makes the rotation deeper, allows us to stash Marcus Stroman in the bullpen and takes some pressure off of Gerrit Cole (he can't do EVERYTHING) and just fortifies this team.

There's also that Blake Snell rumor that just doesn't want to die and go away. It's back. I wish it would just disappear into outer space because I personally don't want Snell but, the Yankees have checked in as they have before. If nothing else, hopefully it drives up the price and maybe some other team pays through the nose for him!

The Yankees are thinking about more than just pitching, and they need to. We need help all along the infield and what if the Yankees can't get Soto back? They need another outfielder. The Yankees have checked in on Anthony Santander and Pete Alonso. I'm not gonna lie, secretly I would like to lure someone from the Mets to the Yankee dark side as I laugh at Steve Cohen, however I am not 100% sold on Alonso as our new first baseman. Santander on the other hand, love his switch-hitting abilities but he fits other Yankee traits: all or nothing with a low batting average, higher strikeouts with some pop and can help with some RBI's. I just don't want more of the same old fundamentally flawed Yankee lineup. Sounds just like more of Brian Cashman's existing failed strategy, so no wonder the Yankees are tied to him.

The Yankees have a lot of work to do. I'm anxious to see how this plays out, because Hal Steinbrenner says current payroll isn't sustainable. So, if he's serious it feels like another starter AND getting Soto back feels unlikely. We need help so....do better, Cashman. Make smart choices for once.

--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @nyprincessj