Juan Soto Sets High Bar in Spring With Yankees—2024 Projections Now Sky-High

The Bronx is buzzing, and New York Yankees fans have every reason to be excited. Juan Soto, the generational talent who joined the pinstriped powerhouse this season, is wasting no time leaving his mark. The outfield star’s Spring Training performance isn’t just impressive; it’s a force of nature, shattering expectations and hinting at a 2024 season that could be nothing short of legendary.

Soto’s power is undeniable. His plate discipline? Unmatched. The sizzle of the bat and the crack of the ball leaving the yard are becoming a familiar soundtrack this spring. His numbers paint a picture of a hitter on a mission. Could Soto be poised to redefine what it means to be a feared slugger? Specifically, could this early dominance foreshadow a historic Yankees Opening Day debut?

Juan Soto is currently hitting .667 with three home runs, two doubles, a 2.616 OPS, and seven RBIs in limited spring appearances. While Spring Training statistics should be taken with a grain of salt, they definitely underscore Soto’s elite hitting ability and suggest that he’s poised for another monster year. Now, let’s compare the Childish Bambino’s early spring performance to his projected 2024 numbers.

Baseball Reference anticipates Soto will hit 28 home runs with 84 RBIs and a robust .278 batting average. FanGraphs is even more optimistic, forecasting 36 homers, a .280 average, and a potent .407 weighted on-base average.

Read More: Aaron Judge vs. Juan Soto: A Statistical Comparison of MLB’s Best Power Bats

These projections, once considered ambitious, now might represent a conservative estimate of Soto’s ceiling. And the excitement extends to his new teammates and MLB analysts alike.

A match made in Pinstripes: Juan Soto’s Yankees potential 

“Count me among those already dreaming big about the crooked numbers that Juan Soto will help the Yankees put on the board this season,” commented pitcher Nestor Cortes on the hitter’s impressive slugging abilities. Leading ace Gerrit Cole, on the other hand, cannot seem to stop gushing over the powerful display of talent that the team sees with Soto on the base: “I knew I would enjoy watching him. But, like, I love watching him.”

Several analysts agree, highlighting Soto’s potential within the heart of the Bombers’ lineup. Insider Jeff Passan believes that “The prospect of Soto and Aaron Judge hitting back-to-back is incredibly tantalizing…Coming off a season in which he played all 162 games and hit a career-high 35 home runs, he’s smack in the prime of his career.” On the other hand, reporter Bryan Hoch states that “You can start the season now; he looks ready.”

Juan Soto’s impressive career numbers further solidify his potential for sustained dominance. He boasts a lifetime .284 batting average and a stellar .421 on-base percentage, showcasing his incredible ability to work counts and manufacture runs.

Read More: Will Scott Boras’ Off-Season Setbacks Aid New York Yankees’ Juan Soto Extension Talks?

While Spring Training success doesn’t guarantee regular-season dominance, Soto’s scorching start sends a clear message. If he maintains this trajectory, he may not only surpass his impressive projections but also cement his status as one of the most feared hitters in baseball history. It looks like this could be a season to remember.