Juan Soto has enjoyed an epic start to his journey as a New York Yankee. Now, several fans and experts wonder and speculate how long this journey might last. Some say 2024 is the only year the Dominican superstar wears the iconic pinstripe uniform. Then, some believe he will sign a long term extension with the Yankees. But so far, it looks quite certain that he will enter free agency after the current ongoing season is over. However, the owner of the Bronx Bombers has made headlines lately, revealing his desire to see the 2020 NL Batting champion wear the pinstripes for the rest of his career. Moreover, that’s what the fans want as well.
But Juan Soto has always said that his focus is on what he can do “This season” and just playing baseball. Clearly, Soto’s realistic and positive approach is working really well for him and the team. Since he joined the Yankees, things have changed for the team. Last year, they could not make the postseason. That wound is still fresh. But after the first month of the 2024 regular season, the NY side is enjoying the top spot in AL East. Moreover, Juan Soto has been the most impactful player for the Yankees this season so far. As a result, he is the top contender for the 2024 AL MVP.
Can Juan Soto Win MVP This Year?
The Dominican superstar is only 25 years old. But he has been playing in MLB since he was 19 years old. In all these years, Juan Soto has accomplished a lot of stuff. He has also won a World Series with the Washington Nationals. In 2020, the new Yankees superstar won the National League Batting Champion. Moreover, Soto has already been a three-time All-Star. On top of that, rumors suggest the Dominican superstar will be the biggest free agent next offseason and can ask for a Shohei Ohtani-like contract. However, even after achieving so much, Juan Soto has not yet won an MVP award. But that one award that has eluded Soto for so long can reach his doorstep this year.
As per the latest MVP Poll by MLB.com experts, Juan Soto is far ahead of the rest in the American League. According to MLB.com, Juan Soto has won 28 first-place votes for AL MVP contention after 49 games in the 2024 regular season. Kyle Tucker of the Houston Astros follows Soto in the race for AL MVP contention with six first-place votes. Moreover, the 2022 AL MVP, Aaron Judge, is also in the race with three first-place votes. However, the new Yankees superstar is enjoying a perfect start to the season so far. And Juan Soto can very well win the MVP award this year as well as help the Yankees win their 28th World Series.
Things Are A Bit More Interesting In The NL MVP Race
According to MLB.com, it has been over 25 years since two teammates had first-place and second-place finish in MVP voting. But this year, it might just happen. After all, Mookie Betts and Shohei Ohtani are the top two contenders for the National League MVP this year. After the latest MVP poll, the Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop has an edge over the Unicorn with 23 first-place votes.
On the other hand, the Japanese superstar got 18 first-place votes. More importantly, Shohei Ohtani is not pitching this year owing to his right elbow surgery. If he could do both, then it might have been an easier decision regarding the NL MVP.
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