Arguably the biggest move made during the 2024 MLB offseason was the New York Yankees acquiring outfielder Juan Soto from the San Diego Padres. There was some risk involved, as New York was surrendering a lot of pitching depth to get the deal done. On top of that, Soto is an impending free agent.
Trading away assets for a player who could be a one-year rental is always a risky proposition. Its even riskier when that player is a Scott Boras client, as they almost always hit the open market seeking the highest-paying deal.
But, when you have a chance to acquire a player as talented as Juan Soto, you do it. The New York Yankees bit the bullet and are now reaping the benefits. Not only are they one of the best teams in baseball with a 25-13 record, Soto has been dominant.
In his debut with the team on Opening Day against the Houston Astros, Juan Soto made MLB history and he has not stopped since. In his first 38 games with the Yankees, he has 49 hits with 33 RBIs, 26 walks, nine home runs and four stolen bases.
He is getting the job done in every facet of the game, and most importantly, helping the team. As shared by OptaSTATS on X, that production puts Juan Soto in an elite class. Since RBIs became an official stat in 1920, the only other player to reach those stats through the first 38 games of a season was Babe Ruth in 1926.
Any time you are accomplishing something on the baseball field that only Ruth has, you are doing something right. Juan Soto has been on a tear for the New York Yankees to start his career in pinstripes, living up to the hype.
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