Juan Soto to Yankees evaluation

On Dec 6th, 2023, The New York Yankees acquired Juan Soto along with Outfielder Trent Grisham from the SD Padres, for pitchers Michael King, Jhony Brito, Randy Vasquez, Drew Thorpe, and backup catcher Kyle Higashioka.

After a dismal 2023 season, which saw the New York Yankees ranked Offensively bottom 25 and under in most important categories, finishing with an 82-80 record and missing the playoffs for the first time since 2016. The pressure on Yankees management increased, with many calling on them to improve an Offense, which was heavily dependent on Superstar outfielder Aron Judge. His absence in June to a foot-injury, showed the Yankee's decision makers, just how desperately an upgrade was needed in the off-season.

In June the Yanks ranked dead-last in average, on-base percentage and runs scored. Even Judge's return to the batting order, did nothing to remedy the weakness in their offensive game. As the rest of the offense crawled to an abysmal .688 OPS in the second half of the season. The need to acquire another great hitter to pair with Judge became increasingly more and more obvious.

Enter, Juan Soto..

The Washington Nationals called up Juan Soto when he was only 19 years old to the major leagues. In his 6 seasons since, his lowest OBP in a season was .401, making him one of only 61 players ever, to accomplish that feat, a list that includes Babe Ruth, Barry bonds & Ted Williams, among others.

Soto's incredible patience at the plate, a trademark displayed only by Baseball's elite hitters, is evidenced by his league leading 280 Walks in 2021 and 2022. A lefty power- hitter who will certainly enjoy Yankee Stadiums's short porch in right field, Soto will provide a much-needed upgrade to the Yankee's lineup.

In the trade, Yankees also got Trent Grisham, one of the best defensive center fielders in the league, who also brings a solid bat off the bench. another area that has long been lacking in the Bronx. The Yankees also picked up a few more lefty bats this offseason, including Alex Verdugo from the Red Sox, who hasn't lived up to his potential in Boston. The chip on

Overall, trading for Soto in his contract year , is the risk they have to take and show the fanbase that they're serious in improving the offense and will have a head start when Soto enter free agency. Judge and Soto will be a duo to watch in the Yankees lineup , while also needing bounce back season's from 3rd baseman D.J. Lemahieu and DH Giancarlo Stanton, and sophomore jump from young shortstop Anthony Volpe. There is still need to get more starting pithing, since they traded all their starter depth to the Padres for Soto, but it will be worth it to see what he puts up as Yankee with Aaron Judge in the same lineup.