The Yankees did a great job pivoting to their backup plan last December when Juan Soto turned down their $760-million offer to return to sign with the Mets for $765 million.

Max Fried was signed the next day to add another ace to a rotation that already had been one of the majors’ best. Devin Williams, a superstar closer with an unhittable pitch, was acquired in a trade. Two former MVPs were acquired to help make up for Soto’s offensive production, center fielder Cody Bellinger in a trade and first baseman Paul Goldschmidt as a free agent signing.