As expected, the New York Yankees are reaping the benefits of their hottest off-season transaction. Juan Soto is raising the stock of Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman, while raising his stock, as his season is a partial campaign for a long-term contract.
Soto has been a major contribution to the offense that keeps the Yankees above water as they nibble the first-seed in the American League East. The Yankees have scored 111 runs so far and they’ve recorded 17 wins. The offense is very dangerous the way they are lined up, and the execution has been very present.
As per Baseball Savant, Soto’s MLB Percentile ratings are all red-coloured; everything is in the 90s for all the right reasons. So far this year he has 22 RBIs on 30 hits, six home runs, and has scored 17 times. He holds a .319 batting average with a league-leading .431 on-base percentage, and a .564 slugging percentage.
Soto has been extremely aggressive at the dish and understands that he’s not going to get his pitch; his approach is to attack anything close to his pitch or adjust to the outside strike. So far he’s walked more than he’s struck out at 16 strikeouts to 20 walks; his patience has been key in maneuvering the dangerous Bronx lineup.
Soto utilizes the entire field, putting long-shots on opposite parts of the map. He swings it aggressively with a 60% hard swing percentage. Soto’s ability has shown out well so far and he’s making a case for top dollar in the long run.
Advanced scouts will be doing their evaluations and recommendations as clubs such as the New York Mets, Boston Red Sox, Pittsburgh Pirates and more eye Soto for a free agent contract. Cashman should do the right thing and begin to draft the first offer to keep Soto in pinstripes.
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