With Juan Soto’s acquisition, the New York Yankees have given the fans a ray of hope. It did turn out that some of the “big changes” promised came to fruition. So now, as the team looks at what’s next, they seem to have put together an interesting puzzle that could make the Yankees lineup one of the best. But there is one crucial piece missing.
In the 2024 lineup, on one hand, there are players like Aaron Judge and Soto himself. But on the other, there are players whose performance took a back seat during a stained season of 2023. Well, it’s only a matter of finding form. If that were to happen, the lineup is good to go. Although, one key player has to step it up.
The New York Yankees Have a Great Line Up, but There’s a Catch
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Bolstering up next year’s roster, it is, of course the captain and the former San Diego Padres’ star who’d be at the core. Additionally, the others, like Gleyber Torres, DJ LeMahieu, Anthony Rizzo, and Giancarlo Stanton, are valuable elements. However, if Stanton does not improve his form, the brimming rumors about him might imminently come true.
"You hit Juan Soto in front of Aaron Judge… I'm taking the subway and I'm going to the game." – @markdero7#MLBTonight weighs in on the potential of the Yankees lineup amid trade rumors for Juan Soto.@JonHeyman | @adnansvirk | @StevePhillipsGM pic.twitter.com/EAczu4fxQQ
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) December 6, 2023
The scuttlebutt is that the Yankees may pay the 34-year-old to be traded away. Well, Stanton commands a substantial salary in the Bronx. Until last year, his overall impact on the Yankees was more negative than positive. The 5x All-Star’s key priorities for 2024 would be regaining his swing/form and staying healthy. If he accomplishes both, he could tie all the loose ends for the Pinstripes.
Now that Aaron Boone is heavily at work, some predictions are being made. Per the LWOS, Torres could be in the first position at 2nd base, with Soto and Judge occupying the next two spots. Stanton, Rizzo and LeMahieu could bin positions 4, 5 and 6. Verdugo could take the 7th with Austin Wells and Anthony Volpe in the 8th and 9th. With this being one of the predicted combinations, it is to note that with this, the Yankees can come back strong.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The Potential the Yankees Hold for 2024
One can’t help but notice how three-dimensional 2024’s lineup is. There’s a balance between left-handed and right-handed hitters, with a frequent alternation between the two. This arrangement could challenge the opponents as they grapple with navigating through the batting. Though the roster is renewed, there are some constants that have always given the Yankees an upper hand.
Read More : While New York Waited Desperately for Juan Soto, the 25-Year-Old Superstar Was Busy Playing Nintendo
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
This December might have been the period when the team addressed most of their concerns. Creating a roster that by far is most akin to the World Series winning line up. Unless there are unanticipated injuries or abnormally poor performances, the hope is that the Yanks could make it to the postseason, at the least.
Watch This Story : Yankees’ $324M Ace Steps Up With Aaron Judge As Major Shakeups Loon After Disappointing Season