Right out of the gate in the New York Yankees’ first week of the MLB season, Juan Soto has made a major impression. While his talent was already recognized during his time with the San Diego Padres, his performance has even wowed one of the top Yankees stars, Marcus Stroman. This suggests Soto is elevating his game to a whole new level in pinstripes.
Marcus Stroman impressed with Juan Soto
Over the past three years, Juan Soto has established himself as one of the best players in MLB. Now, with the New York Yankees, his scorching start has impressed everyone, including not only Yankees fans but also opposing pitchers.
Marcus Stroman, clearly impressed by Soto’s performance, said he’d tell his grandkids he played against him. This highlights the impact Soto is already making on the league, even in his first week with the Yankees.
“He’s gonna be one of those guys I’m talking about when I’m a grand granddad that I got to play with him. You know, I mean, so you just want to be very conscious that he’s a generational talent the way he approaches the game. The way that he never gives away an at-bat. It’s incredible. I know I feel like he never even gives away a pitch. So I have someone that’s that locked in each and every time in the lineup No pitcher wants to face that you know, and then I obviously haven’t judged behind them and then everybody else in our lineup. It’s it’s a tough lineup to navigate” Stroman said on Talkin Yanks’ after the game against the Houston Astros on Saturday.
Soto’s early impact on the Yankees
In a thrilling victory over the Houston Astros, Juan Soto emerged as a key player for the Yankees. His first home run as a Yankee was a moment to remember. On Saturday night, Juan Soto launched a clutch solo homer in the seventh inning, taking the lead for New York. Yankees’ legendary announcer John Sterling couldn’t contain his excitement, delivering a special call referencing the Gershwin classic “S Wonderful.” This special call capped off Soto’s impressive start with the team.
The New York Yankees are off to a hot start, and it seems Juan Soto’s bat may be contagious. Youngster Oswald Cabrera has gotten off to a blistering start, launching two home runs in the first week of the season.
While a week’s worth of games isn’t enough to declare Cabrera a top-three hitter in Major League Baseball, his early production is certainly impressive. Only superstars Mookie Betts of the Los Angeles Dodgers (4 HR) and Lourdes Gurriel Jr. of the Arizona Diamondbacks (3 HR) have more home runs so far this season.
Cabrera’s hot streak coincides with a strong start from teammate Juan Soto, who was recently acquired by the Yankees. Soto himself has been hitting the ball well, and it appears his success is inspiring the entire lineup.
Yankees infielder Oswald Cabrera recently spoke about the positive influence of Juan Soto on the team’s mindset. This comes after a disappointing spring training with more losses than wins.
Juan Soto’s impressive performance in his first week with the Yankees is certainly a reason for optimism. In just three games, he boasts a home run and a .500 batting average. If he maintains this pace, he’ll be a crucial addition to the team’s success.
The Yankees will look to continue their hot hitting as the season progresses. With both Juan Soto and Cabrera firing on all cylinders, the Bronx Bombers could be a force to be reckoned with in 2024. According to the latest rumors, the Yankees are expected to be aggressive in their attempt to keep Juan Soto on board for more years to come, as reported by ESPN’s Alden Gonzalez.
Becoming a Yankees legend isn’t easy, but Juan Soto’s performance last Friday was a step in the right direction. He joined an elite group by reaching base safely three or more times in each of his first two games with the Yankees. Other Yankees greats who achieved this feat include Anthony Rizzo (2021), Johnny Damon (2006), Gary Sheffield (2004), Lee Mazzilli (1982), Charlie Silvera (1948), and Joe DiMaggio (1936).
The Yankees’ season is just beginning, yet Juan Soto’s immediate impact is undeniable. Within a week, he’s demonstrated flashes of brilliance on both offense and defense. As the season unfolds, Yankee fans eagerly anticipate Soto’s continued growth alongside the team. It’s no surprise that Marcus Stroman was impressed by Juan Soto’s performance.
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