The New York Yankees have to be thrilled with the early returns of star outfielder Juan Soto.
They landed the All-Star this offseason in a trade with the San Diego Padres.
We now have the first look at Soto playing for the Yankees in spring training, and so far, he looks well worth all the hype.
Soto hit a home run in his first spring training game, followed by a two-RBI double in his second game on Monday, as shared by the Yankees on Twitter.
All tied up. @JuanSoto25_ pic.twitter.com/aveT4OoQqF
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) February 26, 2024
Even though the pitching he is facing now will not be the same during the regular season, this is still impressive.
For the Yankees to have any chance this year they need a career year from Soto.
He can flourish at Yankee Stadium and should be in for a career-high in home runs.
Having Soto and Aaron Judge batting consecutively in the order should be lethal for the Yankees.
When healthy, they are two of the best pure hitters in the sport.
But the rest of the Yankees lineup leaves a lot to be desired.
They have some aging vets who may be in the final few years of their careers like Anthony Rizzo, DJ LeMahieu, and Giancarlo Stanton.
That is why a lot of pressure will be put on Soto and Judge to carry them.
We have seen players in the past struggle in the first year after being traded.
But, that should not be the case with Soto, who has been traded two times over the past three seasons.
There is a legitimate shot Soto can make a run at the AL MVP award in 2024.
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