The New York Yankees had been enjoying a great season this year. They needed to redeem themselves after a terrible 2023 season. Moreover, the front office was looking for a superstar lefty slugger during the last offseason who could bolster the offense. Who could have been a better option than Juan Soto? So far this season, the Dominican slugger has answered that question, proving there was no one better. Soto’s dynamic chemistry with Aaron Judge has proved to be a lethal combination for the Bronx Bombers. Currently, this dynamic duo has been dominating the league in several offensive categories.
Moreover, the Yankees captain looks unstoppable this season as he leads the league in most home runs, RBIs, and OPS. On top of that, he is also second on the list of batting averages. Then, there is Juan Soto, who is leading the league in most walks. Clearly, it proves that the Dominican slugger always tries to give Judge a situation with all the bases loaded. Moreover, it makes things easier for the California native to do what he does best. But it’s only possible because Judge comes to bat after Soto.
Stephen A Smith Mixed Up Yankees’ Batting Order And Got Fans’ Backlash
On Thursday, Stephen A Smith, ESPN broadcaster, made a massive blunder during his ‘First Take’ show when he said the Yankees captain had been hitting in front of Juan Soto. Clear, the ESPN personality proved that he has not been watching too many Bronx Bomber’s games this season. Otherwise, he would not have made this blunder. Smith started this discussion with Molly Qerim and Chris Russo about who’s having a better season – Judge or Ohtani? While giving his argument, the First Take host said how impactful it has been on Judge to have Soto hit behind him. He proceeded to say, “Judge got Soto batting behind him, and it makes the lives of the opponent pitchers difficult.”
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This wrong take on the Yankees batting order did not sit well with the fans in the Bronx. Just a sheer lack of facts ruined it for Smith and fans didn’t let the opportunity go for brutally trolling him. The legendary New York Sports radio host, Chris Russo, was nodding his head but didn’t interject Smith to correct him. Later, the netizens wrote comments, like, “Why don’t you stick to basketball since you don’t know the baseball facts?” Then, someone wrote on X, “Has Smith not watched a game in 2024?” Moreover, a fan said, “He is just a loud mouth who doesn’t know ball.”
Juan Soto Have Helped Aaron Judge Fight For The MVP Race
Not even for a single game this year did Aaron Boone send Judge in front of Soto. But the one-two punch of Soto then Judge in the batting order has helped both of them having a great season. Juan Soto has hit more home runs this season than he hit in previous single seasons. Aaron Judge has already hit 51 home runs this season. He is on pace to break his own American League HR record of 62.
On the other hand, the debate between Judge and Shohei Ohtani regarding who’s having a better season is only getting more interesting. The Yankees captain is on pace to win the AL MVP again this year. Then, Ohtani can become the first hitter to reach the 50-50 mark and win the 2024 NL MVP.
Stay tuned to Sports News International for more such updates about your favorite MLB team.
