The New York Yankees are bossing the Grapefruit League so far. Despite a couple of questionable losses, the core is picking up their form. Juan Soto, in particular, has been phenomenal, with Nestor Cortes slowly getting used to the grind after recovering from a rotator cuff strain.
Overall, things look sorted inside the New York Yankees clubhouse. However, as opening day inches closer, manager Aaron Boone’s hands are full. To stack up an ideal and balanced lineup of the numerous options available is no less than a daunting task. But Boone finally seems to have a head start as far as outfield plans are concerned.
Aaron Boone To Pencil Aaron Judge In CF To Accommodate Juan Soto At RF
New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone recently revealed his outfield plans for the upcoming season to ESPN. The skipper has finalized captain Aaron Judge in the center field as expected to accommodate generational talent Juan Soto in the right field. Moreover, Alex Verdugo, who was traded from the Red Sox earlier this off-season, will take over left-field duties. Verdugo was specifically added to resolve the left-field revolving door. And hopefully, the left-handed hitter lives up to the expectation. That being said, Trent Grisham and Oswaldo Cabrera will act as bench depth. Interestingly, Boone also has a plan for Giancarlo Stanton. The injury-plagued player is currently penciled in as the designated hitter. However, the skipper is ready to offer Stanton periodic opportunities in the outfield at stadiums with short left-field porches.
At a glance, the outfield plan looks sorted. However, concerns around Aaron Judge’s placement will prevail leading to the opening day. Judge is coming off a gruesome toe injury, which pushed him out of action for eight weeks. Additionally, the captain has confessed that his toe needs maintenance for the rest of his career. Thus, to pencil Judge at the demanding position of centerfield seems unideal. But, of course, Boone must have had a detailed conversation about his outfield plans with the Yankees captain. In fact, Aaron Judge earlier revealed how he is on board with whatever Boone decides for him. He trusts his team manager to make the best call for him and would blindly follow his suggested path. Overall, the formidable outfield lineup penciled by Aaron Boone seems poised to make a significant impact on the Yanks’ upcoming season.
Yankees Manager Continues To Face Hitting Order Conundrum
While the outfield lineup is resolved, Aaron Boone is yet to take a sigh of relief. The New York Yankees manager still has to take a call on the team’s ideal hitting lineup. The conundrum is between Juan Soto and Aaron Judge. While DJ LeMahieu is fixed as leadoff, placing Judge and Soto together seems to be a daunting task for Boone.
For instance, Aaron Judge wants to bat at third, thus promoting Juan Soto to second. However, Soto has had success at third historically. Also, Boone is of the opinion that pushing Soto down the order will provide Judge with the cushion and safety at third. But the captain has different plans altogether. It would be interesting to see how Boone resolves the issue.
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