The 2024 MLB season is just six weeks away, and the New York Yankees will begin to regroup at Tampa for spring training next week. For the Bombers, the 2024 season holds much significance. It’s mainly due to last season’s disastrous campaign, which saw NYY disqualified from the postseason.
Regardless, the New York Yankees seem determined and confident to turn the page over in 2024. To accomplish a major turnaround, the front office made a splash move during the off-season. Juan Soto was signed for 2024 via trade with the San Diego Padres. Meanwhile, ahead of the opening day, three of the Yanks’ top stars were rated highly by MLB in their respective position categories.
Aaron Judge, Juan Soto, Gerrit Cole Bag Top Spots In MLB Rankings
New York Yankees captain and perennial hitter of MLB, Aaron Judge, has bagged the top spot in MLB’s rankings for top 10 center fielders. Judge, a traditional right fielder, was placed on center with a view of Juan Soto taking his place for the 2024 season. Having said that, Judge played a lot in the center during the 2022 season when he won his career-first MVP title. However, in 2023, the hitter suffered a long injury layoff due to a toe ligament tear injury. Regardless, the captain still ended up with 37 home runs. Meanwhile, for the 2024 season, Judge will likely move to center field. Since Juan Soto will stake a claim on the right, and Dominguez on IL with Tommy John, the center is the only viable option for the slugger.
Besides, Juan Soto was ranked third on MLB’s top 10 list of right fielders. Only reigning NL MVP Ronald Acuna Jr. of Atlanta and Kyle Tucker of Houston ranked above Soto. The 25-year-old superstar slugger landed in the Bronx earlier this off-season via trade. He hit a career-best 35 home run season in 2023 with the San Diego Padres. However, due to financial constraints, the Padres traded him to the New York Yankees. While Soto is entering his walk year, NYY seems determined to channel his offensive prowess into a successful campaign. With Aaron Judge, Soto will have a formidable partner with whom he can rewrite the history books of the sport. Therefore, both Aaron Judge and Juan Soto’s mention in the MLB power rankings is a positive sign for the Bronx Bombers ahead of the crucial 2024 season.
Yankees Ace Also Ranked No.1 In MLB Top 10 Rankings
Besides Aaron Judge and Juan Soto, ace starting pitcher Gerrit Cole also received acknowledgment in MLB rankings. In a list of the top 10 starting pitchers, the reigning AL CY Young pitcher grabbed the top spot. Notably, Cole led the American League in ERA (2.63), innings pitched (209), and percentage of runners left on base (80.4%) last season.
Not only that, Gerrit Cole delivered a stunning 15-4 record for the New York Yankees. In the midst of a difficult season, Cole stood tall for his team. He became a man of crisis and a dependable starting pitcher. Cole’s individual prowess on the mound earned him his career maiden CY Young award in 2023.
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