Juan Soto Is Off To A Tremendous Start With The Yankees
TAMPA, FL - FEBRUARY 22: Juan Soto #22 of the New York Yankees smiles during spring training at George M. Steinbrenner Field on February 22, 2024 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by New York Yankees/Getty Images)
Juan Soto couldn't have scripted a better first series with the New York Yankees.
Making his debut in pinstripes following an offseason trade from the San Diego Padres, the star outfielder began the 2024 season by leading New York to a four-game sweep over the Houston Astros. Soto went 9-for-17 with three walks, a double, a home run, and only two strikeouts.
The 25-year-old has also instantly come through in clutch moments. On Opening Day, Soto threw out Mauricio Dubon at home plate in the ninth inning to preserve a 5-4 victory.
"I worked all Spring Training long on my arm and the throws from right field," Soto said, per MLB.com's Bryan Hoch. "It’s just a great feeling. It just tells you I'm going in the right way with what I've been doing, and I'm more than excited to keep doing it."
He kept the heroics coming on Sunday. With the game tied in the final frame, Soto hit a game-winning single off star closer Josh Hader to bring home Gleyber Torres.
According to Stathead's Katie Sharp, Soto joins Derek Jeter (2005) as the second Yankees player to ever get through the season's first four games (minimum of 20 plate appearances) with a .500 batting average, .600 on-base percentage, and .700 slugging percentage.
The Yankees acquired Soto for a package led by starting pitcher Michael King, who issued seven walks in Sunday's start for San Diego. The Padres already moved the other key piece of the deal, pitching prospect Drew Thorpe, to the Chicago White Sox in a trade for Dylan Cease.
After they missed the playoffs last year, Soto will look to lead the Yankees back to title contention. While fans hope he's the next franchise legend, Soto isn't guaranteed a long stay with free agency looming after the 2024 season.
