The New York Yankees were heavily let down by hitters in 2023. The team finished last in every hitting chart. Moreover, captain Aaron Judge, who missed a major half of the season on IL due to an injury, ironically emerged as the leading run-getter, with Gleyber Torres finishing second.
Having said that, in a bid to change the narrative in 2024, the first thing the Yankees prioritized this off-season was to land a potent left-handed hitter. While the market was filled with high-end names, the Bronx Bombers pulled off a masterstroke by landing generational talent Juan Soto in a blockbuster trade deal. Meanwhile, ahead of the 2024 season, Soto has received high acknowledgment from the MLB network.
Juan Soto Finds Space In MLB Network’s List Of Top 10 Position Players!
In one of the most high-profile off-season signings, the New York Yankees traded Juan Soto from the San Diego Padres in a blockbuster seven-player exchange. Soto, a 25-year-old left-handed hitter and right fielder, will wear the pinstripes this season. The kid has already placed himself amongst the greatest of the game with his extensive achievements in a short span. He possesses a .284 career average across six seasons and is already a three-time all-star outfielder. Thus, the Bronx Bombers surely made a significant addition to their hitting line ahead of the 2024 season, wherein the team intends to reverse the lost season narrative.
Meanwhile, the MLB network recently released its top-10 list of right fielders, and Juan Soto found a place in the top 5. Soto was ranked third, Ronald Acuna Jr. and Kyle Tucker the only ones above him. Acuna is a reigning MVP, whereas Tucker can play every position in the outfield. Of course, some could argue that Soto is a better hitter than Tucker. But the list is constructed strictly on the basis of outfield stats. That being said, the New York Yankees would pray for Juan Soto to play like his usual self in the Bronx. To accommodate him, the franchise has asked captain Aaron Judge to make adjustments and move to center field. That suggests Yank’s commitment to bringing out the best of Soto in 2024. Overall, the upcoming season remains a crucial juncture in Soto’s career, and his success with the Bombers will set the tone right ahead of free agency.
Yankees Teammates Juan Soto, Aaron Judge Both Listed As MVP Candidates!
Meanwhile, the New York Yankees top hitters are going to have a personal fight amongst themselves this next season. As per multiple projections, both Juan Soto and Aaron Judge are listed as probable AL MVP candidates for the coming season. While Judge has a trophy he won in 2022, Soto is yet to bag an MVP title.
Thus, the upcoming season is a perfect opportunity for him to secure the highest honor. However, most importantly, the two-hitting stalwarts should prioritize the franchise’s best interest over personal accomplishments. Winning a World Series championship for the New York Yankees in 2024 should be Soto and Judge’s primary goal this year.
