Juan Soto might not have thought of being a Yankee before he actually became one. The Bronx Bombers, famous for betting anything on the talent they set their eyes on, made a considerable upgrade to their hitting lineup by adding the Dominican. With Soto playing side by side with their existing sluggers, the team can now dream of clinching a World Series berth in 2024. An MLB insider recently confirmed the power Soto has added by debuting in the Bronx.
It’s not like Juan Soto was even an average player to begin with. He proved to be the biggest star in the Padres’ dugout during his stay with them. With 35 homers, 109 RBIs, and a sky-high OPS of .930 in his bag, securing a sixth place in the NL MVP only made sense for the slugger. And now he is all set to set Yankee Stadium ablaze with his fiery hitting skills.
Juan Soto’s potential keeps on blooming
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Insider and Yankees specialist Bryan Hoch recently shared in a Yankees Beat piece how crucial clinching Soto will prove to be for the Pinstripes. In his words, “Soto is ready to take his game to another level.” For him, adding the Dominican to the rotation provides the Bronx Bombers with one of the best, most patient, and most potent hitters.
Yamamoto this, Ohtani that.
I’m taking JUAN SOTO. pic.twitter.com/uJzdcoQSQt
— . (@HalToHell) December 22, 2023
Hoch’s prediction for Soto states that the slugger’s future contract values will see a huge jump following the impending success he awaits in the Yankees’ dugout.
The potential in question led to Juan Soto winning his fourth consecutive Silver Slugger award this year. His form for the past few seasons was further solidified with his three back-to-back All-Star selections, starting in 2021. According to FanGraphs, Soto is set to hit .284 with 39 homers, 110 RBIs, and a WAR of 6.8 in 2024—a measurable improvement over his 2023 stats.
Watch This Story: 25-Years-Old Juan Soto’s Debut Video Resurfaced, Justifying His Ongoing Demands Among The MLB Giants
The Pinstripes will absolutely be thrilled if the predictions turn out to be true, given that they paid the right price to secure the slugger. Especially given that manager Aaron Boone agrees with Hoch’s sentiment as well.
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Soto is set to bring balance back to the Yankees’ hitting rotation, says Boone
For Boone, teaming up a healthy Soto with a couple of other promising hitters like Alex Verdugo or Giancarlo Stanton will certainly give the team a very special lineup. One that is heavy with lefty hitters.
Aaron Boone is famous for being particular with his team hires. So it is only natural for him to have an affinity for seeking out a balance in the rotation, especially considering how disheveled it was this season. Soto can prove to be crucial in getting that balance back, Boone believes. “He certainly gives us that, with some others. I believe it has a chance to be a tremendous fit,” he revealed to Hoch.
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Read More: What Is Juan Soto’s Jersey Number With Yankees?
It looks like Hoch’s prediction is well on its way to being realized by the Yankees team in 2024! Do you agree with the same sentiment? Let us know in the comments below!