The New York Yankees resolved their issues in the outfield since last season. The 2023 season was pretty traumatic for the New York fans since the 27-time champions could not make the postseason. On top of that, they finished with an awful 82-80 record. At least the Bronx Bombers were able to maintain their streak of winning seasons. Nonetheless, it was a tremendous shame for the fans as they thought the team was a favorite to win the World Series. But it has been over a decade that the NY side could not get to the “Big Dance.”
That’s why there is a constant itch for the Yankees Nation to see their team get to the World Series. But the way the last season ended did not raise any hopes for the fans. However, the front office made significant changes over the winter, as promised. But the outfield and offense were really looking weak until the Yankees landed Juan Soto. Now, the best offensive player in the league makes the outfield look pretty solid. However, it is a concern for the Yankees manager where to play Aaron Judge in the outfield.
Aaron Boone Might Deploy The Yankees Captain To Left Field This Year
Initially, this offseason, the Yankees were looking for two lefty outfielders to boost their offense. However, after doing so successfully, they have complicated matters in their defense. Moreover, the NY side currently has just one true center fielder, and that’s Trent Grisham, who came to the team in the Juan Soto trade pack. Aaron Judge is naturally a good right fielder. But on Friday, in an interview with the podcast Foul Territory, Aaron Boone mentioned that he was thinking about playing Judge in the center or in the left field a lot this season. Why would the Yankees play Judge in the center?
Aaron Boone said that it would let them give the Yankees captain some days off from the field along with the designated hitter position. But the Yankees manager also said that since they have Trent Grisham, that allows them to move Aaron Judge more to the left. Moreover, the two-time Gold Glover can play in the center when both Grisham and Judge take the field. On the other hand, Juan Soto is one of the worst outfielders defensively. Albeit, he has a career .946 OPS, making him one of the best sluggers in baseball. Moreover, the Yankees won’t play Soto as a designated hitter. Giancarlo Stanton will take that role again in the team.
With Juan Soto And Aaron Judge, How Does The Outfield Look In The Bronx?
The NY side looks pretty solid in the outfield. And the lineup with Juan Soto and Aaron Judge sure will make the opponent team pitchers sweat a little. Moreover, Brian Cashman said Judge and Soto would come right after one another in the batting order. That makes the work more difficult for the hurlers. Moreover, the Yankee Stadium is perfect for the Dominican superstar lefty hitter.
But when they take the outfield, Juan Soto might have to play in the right outfield. However, Aaron Judge will have to take care of the left and center field. In MLB, the Yankees captain has least played in those positions. Even if it is not an ideal situation, those defensive shortcomings won’t matter if the Bronx Bombers can hit like they are capable of on paper.
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