Juan Soto, one of the most hyped players in MLB, joined hands with the New York Yankees earlier this off-season. In a blockbuster trade, the front office took the risk to part ways with as many as five major leaguers to land Soto on a one-year rental guarantee.
To those unversed, Juan Soto’s contract expires by the end of the 2024 season. He will be allowed to enter free agency unrestricted. Naturally, keeping the slugger’s contract situation in mind, many raised doubts about the New York Yankees’ tactics in opting for a massive risk. However, sports reporter Marc Malusis believes Soto is exactly the piece that completes the Yanks.
Juan Soto Is The Need Of The Hour For Yankees, Claims Marc Malusis!
When the New York Yankees traded Juan Soto from the San Diego Padres, they knew what they were getting themselves into. Soto’s one-year contract situation wasn’t hidden. Yet the front office chose to take the plunge solely on the basis of the upside the slugger brings to the team. The 25-year-old generational talent is nothing short of a rare phenomenon with impeccable hitting ability. His understanding of the strike zone, consistency with hits, and ability to draw walks make him a valuable addition to any side, let alone the Yanks. Not only that, Soto has shown a glimpse of his true potential in the ongoing spring campaign. In around 21 at-bats, the slugger has four homers and six runs in nine hits whilst driving 10 RBIs.
He is batting at .429 average and 1.573 OPS. Needless to say, Juan Soto has come as a blessing for the New York Yankees, who are trying to bounce back from the disastrous 82-80 season. Marc Malusis says the fans must stop worrying about the future and enjoy Soto in pinstripes in the present. If the generational talent can lead the team to a World Series title, all the risks would be worth it. Additionally, since Soto is keen to fetch a $500 million contract in free agency, he will be determined to register a successful season with the Bronx Bombers. That is yet another positive reason for the Yankee fanbase to look forward to the impending MLB season. Overall, Juan Soto seems to be the best thing that has happened to the Bombers in recent times, says Marc Malusis.
With Aaron Judge’s Abs Injury, Focus Shifts To Juan Soto Ahead Of Opening Day
The focal point of New York Yankees spring training went from Juan Soto’s heroics to Aaron Judge and Gerrit Cole’s injury concerns in no time. While Cole is batting an elbow niggle, Judge is banged up with abs discomfort. That being said, with Judge doubtful for the opening day series vs. Astros, the pressure falls on Juan Soto to embrace offensive duties.
Aaron Judge and Juan Soto were slated to bat behind one another in the hitting lineup. However, with the security of Judge uncertain, Soto has to lead the charge of Yankees offense. He has to set the tone at the top to allow the rest of the lineup to capitalise in the momentum. It would be interesting to see how Soto soaks up the pressure to thrive in pinstripes.
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