Generational outfield talent Juan Soto joined forces with the New York Yankees ahead of the crucial 2024 MLB season. In 2023, the Bronx Bombers’ offensive numbers plummeted to an all-time low. That unwanted record encouraged the front office to seek offensive reinforcements and Soto’s trade is a result of the same.
Last week, during winter meetings, the Yankees traded Juan Soto from the San Diego Padres in an extensive deal that included seven players. Soto and Trent Grisham landed in the Bronx, whereas King, Brito, Vasquez, Thorpe, and Higashioka were shipped to San Diego. Meanwhile, the generational talent recently talked about his feeling of teaming up with superstar hitter Aaron Judge in the pinstripes next season.
Juan Soto Reveals Aaron Judge Reached Out To Him After Trade Came Through!
At the stroke of December 6th’s midnight, Juan Soto officially became a Yankee as the New York Yankees and San Diego Padres agreed on a trade exchange. Meanwhile, on Tuesday, the outfielder was formally introduced by the franchise via Zoom call. Soto talked about multiple subjects in length, including Aaron Judge. He revealed that Judge was among the many Yankee players who reached out to him after the trade was finalized. Having said that, the outfielder was in awe of the Yankee captain. He said Aaron Judge seems a nice guy, and he cannot wait to share the field with him in the upcoming season. “It’s going to be exciting. It’s going to be fun,” Soto said.
Moreover, Juan Soto added that he would try to pick Aaron Judge’s mind in the outfield and overall enjoy the moment with one of the greatest players of the game. The outfielder further reiterated how he is excited to join forces with an esteemed organization and is honored to be a part of it for the next season. In a more playful conversation, Soto also shared how he is curious to meet Judge and Giancarlo Stanton in person to see how big they actually are. “More than excited to see how big is Aaron Judge & Giancarlo Stanton,” Soto added. Overall, the introductory press conference was all about Soto’s excitement for the next chapter. He promised to give his absolute best to bring the World Series ring back in New York.
Soto’s Pinstripes Jersey Number Revealed By Yankees!
After the formalities concluded, the New York Yankees took to the official social media handle to reveal Juan Soto’s jersey number for the 2024 season. Soto will don the number 22 in pinstripes next season. Interestingly, the outfielder donned the same numbers with the Padres and achieved phenomenal success as a hitter. Thus, in the pinstripes, the hopes from Soto would be to emulate the same.
Juan Soto will likely play right field in the 2024 season. While he refuses to change his approach, the left-handed hitter is confident of achieving success with his present caliber. Additionally, the generational talent deferred contract extension talks, stating it’s not his job. He is here to play baseball, and his agent, Scott Boras, will tackle negotiations on his behalf. That clearly suggests that Soto is open to extending his stay in the Bronx but won’t commit beforehand.
