Since being traded from the Padres, Juan Soto and the New York Yankees have been a match made in heaven. He has single-handedly injected life into an offense that was painful to watch just a season ago. He’s also shown that he can play some defense despite people calling it a “weakness.” Not only has Soto had a lot of success, but he has endeared himself to the Bronx faithful in a way rarely seen in sports. The love story between the Yankees and Juan Soto needs to continue after this season.
Paying A Fortune
This past offseason, the Yankees made the first big splash by acquiring Juan Soto from the San Diego Padres. It cost the Yankees a king’s ransom to acquire the 25-year-old generational star. By the time the deal was final, New York had given up Michael King, Kyle Higashioka, Jhony Brito, Randy Vasquez, and top pitching prospect Drew Thorpe — a lot of players for an impending free agent. On top of all that, Soto’s agent, Scott Boras, is the human offseason delay, meaning Soto will see free agency and is expected to command a record-breaking contract. However, it’s hard to argue just how special of a player the Yankees acquired.
Playing At An MVP Level
So far this season, Soto has been playing at an MVP level. He’s currently slashing a scorching .354, .469, and .608 with five home runs, 20 RBI, and an OPS of 1.077. Soto has also shown to have some of the most plate discipline in the league despite being a power hitter. His walk rate (19.2%) exceeds his strikeout percentage (11.7%) by a wide margin.
A Big Impact On The Lineup
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Yankees are reaping the benefits of the Juan Soto effect. The team has gotten off to a red-hot 14-7 start — tied for the best record in baseball — with six of those wins coming from behind. Guys like Anthony Volpe, Giancarlo Stanton, and Oswaldo Cabrera have all benefited from having Soto in the lineup. All three have gotten off to great starts this season, partly due to Soto’s dangerous bat creating easier pitches to hit. Heck, every time Soto has a conversation about hitting, Cabrera is often seen trying to listen to every word. This is the kind of player that every team dreams of having in their lineup.
A Rapport With The Bronx Faithful
Soto has embraced fans almost since the first day he arrived in the Bronx. The feeling appears to be mutual; fans have even been chanting his name between innings. Soto always acknowledges the Bronx faithful. He even once gave a lucky fan an autograph in the middle of an inning! Given how wide his smile is and how he’s interacted with the Yankee fans, this might be the happiest Soto has been on a team. All the more reason that this love story must continue.
Free Agency Competition
The Yankees have reportedly made re-signing Soto their top priority. Given what he’s done for the lineup in such a short time and how much the fans love him, there’s tremendous pressure to get the deal done. The competition in the Soto Sweepstakes will be intense. Teams like the New York Mets, Los Angeles Dodgers, Toronto Blue Jays, and San Francisco Giants will undoubtedly be interested in signing him. However, aside from Robinson Cano in 2014, the Yankees have a good track record of not letting players get away while in their prime. And reminding the Mets that they’ll never be New York’s baseball team could also be highly motivating.
Budding Romance Turned Marriage
Embed from Getty ImagesThis season, Juan Soto and the New York Yankees have become a developing love story. Seeing how he’s impacted the lineup and bonded with the fans, he was meant to be a Yankee the whole time. But now, the Yankees need to prioritize bringing him back. Though, the 25-year-old’s free agency competition will be intense. Losing Soto is just incomprehensible at this point, but fortunately, the Yankees have a strong history of bringing these kinds of players back after they hit the market. The relationship between Soto and the Yankees is still a love story about a budding romance, but now it’s time New York turns it into a marriage.
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