The New York Yankees needed to make significant changes this offseason. There was a big problem around their offense. And the outfield of the NY side was looking really weak. Moreover, the Injured List last season did not help their cause. It was too long to maintain stability in the roster. On top of that, the biggest setback was when Aaron Judge hurt his toe in 2023. The Bronx Bomber’s captain had a freak accident at the Los Angeles Dodgers fence. It made Aaron Judge miss 35 games on the trot. And there was no other superstar outfielder who could play his role in his absence. Hence, things went downhill from there on.
Later, the Yankees failed to make the postseason for the first time since 2016. They finished with a terrible 82-80 record. That was like a wake-up call for the Bomber’s front office. Hence, they went all-in for the best hitter in the league this offseason. Finally, the NY side landed Juan Soto for a year. He will be a free agent at the end of the upcoming season. Hence, there is a good chance that the Yankees might not have Soto for a long-term deal. However, as long as Soto is in the team, there are two MVP-level stars available for the 27-time champions.
Two Yankees Hitters Are Favorites For 2024 MVP
After adding the Dominican superstar, the Yankees are the most improved outfield in terms of WAR this offseason. Moreover, their present offense should raise hopes for the Yankees Faithful. The fans are really waiting to see the magic of the Judge-Soto duo on the field this year. What can they do? Can this incredible offensive duo end the wait for their 28th World Series victory? As per MLB.com, Aaron Judge and Juan Soto are the favorites for the Most Valued Player this year in the American League.
Juan Soto is ranking second, whereas Judge ranks fourth. It is not a big surprise because the Yankees captain won the MVP in 2022. Moreover, the fans want him to win it again for the second time. On the other hand, Juan Soto doesn’t have a MVP under his belt yet. But with Shohei Ohtani in the National League from here on, both Soto and Judge have got a great chance to win it. For the Dominican superstar, it would be the last major award to win. In his six-year career so far, Juan Soto has top-five and top-six finishes for the MVP Award.
Aaron Judge And Juan Soto Should Have A Memorable Season In 2024
With the Unicorn in the NL, the AL MVP is up for grabs. As per MLB.com, the Dominican superstar has risen in the past when he plays in his contract year. But this time, there is a lot of pressure and expectations for Juan Soto to wear the Pinstripes uniform for the first time. Anyhow, it should not create any problem. Rather, the Yankee Stadium should help Soto have his best career season.
On the other hand, the Yankees captain has a guaranteed place in the top five finish for MVP unless he stays injury-free, unlike last year. Last season, he could only play 106 games. But Judge still hit 37 home runs and slashed .267/.406/.613. With Judge and Soto in the lineup, the Yankees have no excuses for this year. They have the stars that should help them win a World Series. And it is completely up to them to fulfill their purpose.
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