In a pre-Christmas gift, the New York Yankees traded superstar left-handed hitter Juan Soto from the San Diego Padres during winter meetings. While the Yanks had to give up potent arms, the risk was worth the upside Soto was bringing in. Soto is contracted through the 2024 season and will don the iconic pinstripes for the impending MLB season.
Having said that, besides roster scuffle, the New York Yankees also filled gaps in Aaron Boone’s coaching staff. James Rowson replaced Sean Casey as the hitting coach after the latter refused to return, citing personal reasons. Meanwhile, the franchise seems likely to appoint an assistant hitting coach who remained associated with Juan Soto in the past.
Yankees Likely To Hire Ex-Nationals Assistant Coach Who Shares Close Bond With Juan Soto!
The New York Yankees’ bizarre offensive lackluster in the 2023 MLB season prompted the leadership to overhaul the coaching staff. After Dillon Lawson was sacked mid-season, the team hired former baseman Sean Casey. While Casey helped a few guys break through the slump, the offensive numbers stayed stagnant. Regardless, the Yanks seem interested in extending Casey. But the latter refused, citing family reasons. Subsequently, the franchise hired former Detroit Tigers coach James Rowson as the team’s official hitting coach for the 2024 MLB season. Meanwhile, in the latest development, the Bronx Bombers shortlisted a former Nationals coach for the assistant hitting coach’s position.
As per Randy Miller of NJ Media, Pat Roessler is likely to be hired as Yankees assistant hitting coach for the 2024 season. Interestingly, Pat served the Yanks in different roles in the past, including serving as the team’s director of player development from 2005-2014. Moreover, Roessler also worked with Rowson during his time in the Bronx. Besides, Pat also spent time with the Washington Nationals from 2020 to 2023, wherein he worked closely with Yank’s newest acquisition, Juan Soto. Notably, Pat helped Juan with his swing and spoke highly of the hitter’s extraordinary skillset. Reports suggest that Roessler’s past connection with both Rowson and Soto strengthened his candidature for the assistant’s role. Having said that, it would be interesting to see what the Rowson-Roessler duo has in store to resolve the Bombers’ hitting woes.
Juan Soto’s Payday Likely To Arrive Soon!
While the New York Yankees pulled off a mega trade heist this off-season, it’s time for Hal Steinbrenner to reach for his pockets to officiate Juan Soto’s acquisition. Soto has hit arbitration, and the Yanks remain obligated to pay him for the 2024 season. Meanwhile, rumors have it that the generational star could earn anywhere from $30 to $33 million this year to don the iconic pinstripes.
Well, financial implications encouraged the Padres to part with Juan Soto in the first place. Moreover, after paying the left-handed hitter his deserved salary, the Yankees’ payroll is going to shoot up. Thus, many analysts believe that the delay in acquiring pitching reinforcement is a ripple effect of Juan Soto’s alleged payday. Whatever it is, the Yanks must sort out the financial situation sooner than later.