Juan Soto wants a cherished Yankees legacy but roller-coaster offense threatens it

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Juan Soto, now a key figure in the New York Yankees lineup, has voiced his ambition to etch his name into the franchise’s rich history. Although his contract currently keeps him in pinstripes only through the 2024 season, the slugger has made clear his desire to make a lasting impact.

Speaking to ESPN’s Jorge Castillo, Soto acknowledged the prestige of being part of Yankees lore, noting that winning a championship is the ultimate path to securing a place in the team’s celebrated legacy.

“Who doesn’t want to be part of Yankees history?” he told. “I think the only way to be part of Yankees history is being a champion.”

Soto’s 2024 season has been nothing short of outstanding, with offensive numbers suggesting he could be in the midst of his finest year yet. His performance has been crucial to the Yankees’ championship ambitions, which were bolstered when the team acquired him from the San Diego Padres last offseason.

The trade for Soto, while costly in terms of pitching depth, has been a resounding success. His powerful presence in the lineup has provided essential support to Aaron Judge, solidifying the Yankees’ offensive strength.

As the season progresses, speculation looms over Soto’s future beyond 2024. The prospect of losing him in free agency, especially to a rival like the New York Mets who have been linked to interest, poses a significant concern for the Yankees. However, if Soto can help deliver a World Series title, it could soften the blow of any potential departure.

Can the Yankees back Soto for a championship legacy in 2024?

Soto’s words and performance reflect the immense pressure and high expectations of his stint with the Yankees, as both he and the team strive for championship success and a shot at baseball immortality.

The New York Yankees are positioned as a leading contender in the American League with a promising shot at reaching the World Series. They currently hold a slim 1.5-game lead over the Baltimore Orioles in the AL East standings, with the Houston Astros also in close pursuit.

With 18 games left on their schedule, compared to the Orioles’ 17, the Yankees have a slight advantage as they chase the division title. A pivotal three-game series against the Orioles at Yankee Stadium, set for the second-to-last series of the season, could be crucial in determining the division champion. The results of this series may decide whether the winning team advances directly to the American League Division Series (ALDS) or faces the Wild Card round.

However, what transpired on Wednesday against the Royals threatens to derail Soto’s plans. The New York Yankees narrowly escaped what could have been a perfect game against them but had little else to celebrate in a dismal 5-0 loss to the Kansas City Royals at Yankee Stadium.

Seth Lugo, formerly with the Mets, delivered a stellar performance, blanking the Yankees over seven innings. Lugo allowed only three singles—two of which were bloopers by Gleyber Torres—and did not issue a walk. He struck out ten batters and maintained control throughout, rarely facing difficult counts. Lugo’s repertoire, featuring ten different pitches, kept the Bombers guessing and off-balance. He will be the pitcher the team most likely to face in playoffs.

Lugo’s dominance was stark; after Torres’ soft singles in the first and sixth innings, Lugo retired 17 straight batters, showcasing his ability to handle a lineup that could be a postseason opponent.

Manager Aaron Boone conceded that Lugo’s performance might have been the toughest the Yankees have faced all season. Boone praised Lugo for his control, pitch variety, and ability to minimize mistakes and prevent solid contact. The Yankees’ hitters, who struck out 14 times, were consistently thwarted by Lugo’s precise pitching.

Despite fielding one of their strongest lineups this season, including rookie Jasson Domínguez in left field, the Yankees (83-62) struggled offensively. The loss cut their lead in the AL East to just half a game over the Orioles, with 17 games remaining in the regular season.

Juan Soto, who recorded the Yankees’ hardest-hit ball of the night—a flyout to left in the sixth inning emphasized the team’s focus on their own performance rather than the standings. He stressed that their primary goal is to concentrate on winning games rather than worrying about the outcomes of other teams.

The Yankees’ key hitters, Aaron Judge and Juan Soto, had a challenging game, combining for no hits in eight at-bats and striking out four times. This continued a 14-game stretch of underwhelming performances for both players. Aside from Gleyber Torres, Austin Wells recorded the Yankees’ only other hit—a line-drive single off Lugo in the seventh inning.

Despite having previously succeeded against Lugo, scoring four runs in seven innings at Kauffman Stadium in June, the Yankees were unable to replicate that success on Tuesday. Soto commented on the difficulty of facing Lugo, noting how Lugo’s confidence in his wide array of pitches kept the Yankees off-balance throughout the game.

Juan Soto and his teammates are fully aware of the stakes as they head into the final stretch of the season. The coming weeks will be critical as the Yankees aim to preserve their lead and secure the top seed, a position that could significantly impact their postseason success. Baseball fans will be closely watching to see if the Yankees can leverage their current advantage and solidify their playoff prospects as the regular season concludes.

Manager Aaron Boone has repeatedly underscored the importance of the team controlling its own fate, a message that aligns with their current position. The Yankees are on track to potentially secure the American League’s top seed for the first time since 2012. Gaining home-field advantage could be pivotal, especially if they face strong teams like the Orioles or Astros in a potential American League Championship Series (ALCS).

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