The New York Yankees are currently 14-15 since the beginning of June, after getting off to the best start in baseball. This is largely due to a lack of production in the lineup surrounding Aaron Judge and Juan Soto, who were both selected starters for the 2024 All-Star Game on Wednesday.
Soto expressed his enthusiasm about receiving his first All-Star start, according to SNY.
“It means a lot,” Soto said. “I’ve put in a lot of hard work, and I’ve been grinding a lot. “I finally got my first start, which is pretty cool.”
The fact that it took so long is mystifying, given that the 25-year-old earned the NL batting title in 2020, as well as four Silver Sluggers and two All-MLB first-team selections. Regardless, Soto is focused on enjoying the present moment, especially since he will get to experience it with Judge.
“It’s great, I mean, he’s an All-Star,” he said. “He’s simply a terrific baseball player. I’m thrilled to share the field with him every day, and the All-Star Game will only make things better.”
Soto has had a front-row seat to Judge’s incredible season, as the Yankee skipper has a.318 batting average and league-leading figures in home runs (32), RBI (83), and OPS (1.149). He has a chance to beat his own AL single-season home run record of 62, which he established in 2022.
Soto has also been a strong hitter.300 with 20 home runs, 61 RBI, and a third-best.997 OPS. The former Washington National also leads the league in walks, with 74. Judge is the next closest player, with 62.
Whether or whether Soto stays in the Bronx for the long term, he will be recognized as one of the team’s most significant players in recent years. How come the 2019 World Series is so consistent at the plate?
"More than happy to share the field every day with him. Now in the All-Star Game, it's gonna be even better."
Juan Soto talks about starting in the All-Star Game with Aaron Judge: pic.twitter.com/h1EmDMcpG4
— Yankees Videos (@snyyankees) July 4, 2024
Soto has shown off his unparalleled plate discipline on the Yankees
The fact that Soto walks so frequently despite being shielded by the top hitter speaks volumes. The four-time All-Star rarely pursues a pitch out of the strike zone, forcing the pitcher to work every time he comes up to bat.
New York manager Aaron Boone commented on Soto’s ability before to the team’s 3-2 loss to the Cincinnati Reds on Wednesday, according to Mark W. Sanchez of The New York Post.
“He’s a generational hitter — we’ve seen that kind of phrase thrown around him, and I think that rings true,” Boone joked. “His at-bat level stands out on a daily basis. And then you put him and Aaron back-to-back, which I don’t think many of us have ever seen.”
Soto’s.437 OBP is second only to Judge’s.438 mark, demonstrating his ability to reach base consistently despite a lack of performance from the Yankees’ supporting cast following Giancarlo Stanton’s injury.
“It’s just as quality of an at-bat as you’re going to face anywhere at any time, and just his understanding of who he is in the batter’s box is pretty impressive,” Boone said afterwards.
New York’s offensive depth remains a question mark, and it may require a huge trade deadline boost. However, Judge and Soto will be able to keep the squad in most games until it finds its footing.
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