The New York Yankees were in deep trouble after the 2023 season ended with no hope. Moreover, the fans could not have been any sadder. The NY side ended with an awful 82-80 record. They could not qualify for the postseason. It was not looking good for the upcoming seasons unless the front office would make some significant changes. Moreover, the Bronx Bombers ended the season with the second-worst batting average in the league. They needed reinforcements in their outfield as well, and the offense was not looking great. Moreover, the NY side did a remarkable job of doing that. They landed the best hitter in the league, Juan Soto, for a year.
Who knows where the Dominican slugger will head next year? But in 2024, the former San Diego Padres superstar will grace the Yankee stadium as someone of their own. The Yankees stadium should suit the game of Juan Soto perfectly. That’s the reason why the front office wanted to sign a couple of lefty hitters in the first place. Moreover, the batting lineup with Aaron Judge and Juan Soto makes the Bronx Bombers look among the best in the league. But it raises a bit of confusion for the Yankees skipper, who can’t figure out the batting order yet.
Aaron Boone Is Trying To See At Which Position Juan Soto Would Fit Perfectly
On Tuesday, in an interview on WFAN, with Tiki Barber and Evan Roberts, Aaron Boone said Judge and Soto will hit back to back. But the skipper is not sure who’s in front of another yet. Perhaps it will come down to the leadoff spot and how it shakes out. Moreover, the Yankees manager told Roberts that he knows that Juan Soto performs better at the third spot. As per Baseball Reference, his numbers diminish a little bit. But Boone said Juan Soto is ready and open to hit at either two or three with the NY side. Moreover, Aaron Boone mentioned when the discussion is about a player like the Dominican superstar, he wants him to be comfortable in the lineup.
However, the Yankees skipper says to ignore the data from the Baseball Reference. He says if Soto hits at second 140 times, the data will start changing. It does not really matter if he bats second or third because Boone feels if Juan does any of them a lot, he’ll bang. Juan Soto has a career average of .254, 28 home runs, 181 walks, and 77 RBIs when he hit second. But while Soto hits at third, he averages .288, 228 RBIs, and 73 home runs. In the third position, Soto has hit 40% compared to 27.8% of the time in the second spot.
Yankees Have Great Strength In Their Hitting With The Soto-Judge Duo
It has been a dream lineup for the Yankees fans to see the best hitters in the same lineup. The lineup with Aaron Judge and Juan Soto should be a nightmare for the opponent pitchers. However, if Juan Soto can find it comfortable batting second and the captain comes third, the Yankees will have a lefty-righty progression.
As per the expectations, DJ LeMahieu should take the leadoff spot. Aaron Boone mentioned how DJ finished the last season. Moreover, the Yankees manager said DJ had a pretty good offseason as well. Other players will come into the lineup depending on injuries, matchups for pitching, and whoever has the hot hand.
Stay tuned to Sports News International for more such updates about your favorite MLB team.
