One MLB executive believes that Juan Soto's decision to leave the New York Yankees for the New York Mets in free agency on a 15-year, $765 million deal "could be a blessing in the end" for the Bronx Bombers.

"The Soto deal is insane," the exec told ESPN's Jorge Castillo. "It could be a blessing in the end. Fried is an ace. Bellinger might hit 30 HRs there and shores up their defense. Goldschmidt is a Hall of Famer. Added a bullpen arm. All in all, pretty good."

New York had a busy offseason, notably adding starting pitcher Max Fried and first baseman Paul Goldschmidt in free agency and outfielder Cody Bellinger and closer Devin Williams via trade.

"I think they've pretty much nailed everything they've done," a scout also told Castillo.

The Yankees wanted Soto back, offering a 16-year, $760 million deal. When Soto went to Queens, New York pivoted, opting to flesh out a more well-rounded roster with a focus on improving the team's lackluster defense.

Cashman spoke more on the matter with ESPN.

"You can't replace a Juan Soto. So how do you cushion the blow and diversify that throughout the lineup? And then the defense was a real problem on our roster," Cashman began.

"We had a bad defensive team. We have an opportunity to upgrade the defense at the same time, which will improve our run prevention and our pitching. So, getting more athletic, getting more protection on the defensive front while still trying to provide good, strong balance on the offensive side was, ultimately, the simple framework."

In Goldschmidt, the Yankees got a four-time Gold Glover. Bellinger's defense has declined since his 2019 Gold Glove year, but he's also a versatile defensive player who can suit up at multiple outfield positions and first base as well.

And then in Fried and Williams, the Yankees improved their pitching staff by adding a fantastic No. 2 starter and one of the game's top closers. So the team's defense and pitching have gotten a boost, although the offense might take a hit without Soto in the mix.

Still, this looks like a good team on paper, clearly capable of winning the American League once again. The Yanks begin the season on March 27 against the Milwaukee Brewers.