Step aside from the monstrous home runs and the laser-sharp plate discipline for a minute. Look at the well-rounded Juan Soto’s secret weapon. His deadly defense. Early in the 2024 season, the New York Yankees’ precious acquisition surprised the world with a renewed commitment to his outfield play. So much so that he transformed from an “average outfielder” to a potential asset. 

This focus on defense, juxtaposed with his already legendary hitting dominance, paints a certain picture for his coach. As per The Athletic, Luis Rojas said, “He’s not just an offensive player. He wants to be a complete player. And I think he has the ability to do it.” So, could it be that he is a $500 million man in the making? 

Instances of Juan Soto Improving His Play

One can safely say that, gone are the days of simply fielding the ball and aiming for the cut-off man. In 2024, Soto is attacking the ball, with a crisp intent to throw baserunners out. Do you remember that game-saving throw to home on Opening Day? Well, it wasn’t just luck. It was the result of a dedicated offseason training.

Looking ahead to refine his skills, Soto sought out the guidance of former Gold Glove center fielder Jackie Bradley Jr. Their offseason training sessions in Miami were laden with knowledge exchange. The 25-year-old gleaned defensive tips on one hand. While on the other Bradley learned hitting secrets from the young phenom.

One of the most important aspects of Soto’s defensive improvement exists in his throwing mechanics. Visibly, Soto compensated for an old shoulder injury, leading to inconsistent throws.  After tweaking his arm slot, Soto could see further improvement in his spin and accuracy on his throws, enabling him to become a true threat on the base paths.

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More Than Just Catching – Early Signs of Success in the New York Yankees

Soto has surpassed the level of simply snagging fly balls. He is not mastering outfield defense. The Dominican has honed his routes, and learned how to take strategic risks by momentarily taking his eyes off the ball to improve his positioning. Reportedly he even practiced with a smaller glove to improve his feel. If these aren’t glimpses into his intent on becoming a perfectionist then what is? 

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Well, the results speak for themselves. A highlight-reel sliding catch on Alex Bregman and a crucial backhand grab on Jeremy Peña displayed Soto’s newfound defensive prowess. He’s even sprinting into gaps to rob potential extra-base hits, exceeding advanced metrics’ catch probabilities. Rightly so, in the words of his Manager Aaron Boone, “He’s not satisfied with his reputation of being an average outfielder. He wants to win a Gold Glove.”