Juan Soto is about to enter an atmosphere with the New York Yankees unlike anything he’s experienced before in his career. If his performance in Spring Training is any indication, the 2024 season is going to be a productive one.
Tampa may not have the bright lights the Bronx does, and the laissez-faire vibes of Spring Training are nothing compared to the high expectations that come during the regular season. But Soto nonetheless shined during his first month of baseball with the Yankees.
As Spring Training came to an official end Monday, we now have a sample—a small one—of how Soto performed with his new team.
The 25-year-old superstar appeared in 16 games this spring, logging 46 at-bats. Soto slashed .304/.373/.630 with four home runs, 10 RBI and nine runs scored. He also drew five walks.
The Yankees made the splash move this offseason to acquire Soto in a trade with the San Deigo Padres. As it currently stands, Soto is a one-year rental for the Bronx Bombers, and they’re paying him $31 million thanks to arbitration.
What Soto brings to the lineup is indescribable. If he and Aaron Judge can stay healthy, no one would be surprised if they finished the season as the best hitting combo in the league. Having both their presences alone will improve upon the disastrous 2023 campaign.
Soto is mostly going to man right field, though he could spend some time in left field in places like Fenway and Minute Maid Park thanks to their short porches in left field.
With the season just a few days away, Soto’s showing in Spring Training should have Yankee fans buzzing with excitement in what could turn out to be a fun year.