Key Takeaways:
– The New York Yankees started the 2024 season strong with a 9-2 record.
– Juan Soto, a standout player acquired from the San Diego Padres, contributes significantly to the team’s success.
– Soto rapidly became a fan favorite in the Bronx, with his recent viral autograph signing video further endearing.
– Despite injuries to Gerrit Cole and DJ LeMahieu, Yankees continued their successful run, hinting at a promising season ahead.
Despite the early season injuries to Gerrit Cole and DJ LeMahieu, the New York Yankees have kicked off the 2024 season with an impressive 9-2 win record. A significant factor contributing to this success has been the team’s new acquisition, Juan Soto.
Juan Soto: A Bronx Favorite in the Making
Soto, traded from the San Diego Padres in a seven-player transaction this off-season, has quickly become a favorite amongst the Bronx crowd. A video of him signing autographs moments before a pitch even went viral on April 8, cementing his status as not just an exceptional player but also a fan favorite.
Affectionately recalling the viral incident, Soto acknowledged that it took him by surprise. “I saw the clock too, and I was thinking and hesitating because the game was supposed to start at 6:08,” he admitted. “Nester is almost moving to make his pitch, and I was like, ‘Oh my God.’ It got me very quick, but it definitely worked.”
Soto’s connection with the Yankees fans isn’t just superficial. Yankees manager Aaron Boone considers his relationship with the New York Baseball enthusiasts a “match made in heaven”. “The Dominican population in The Bronx and in New York, it feels like a match made in heaven. I can’t imagine him not being beloved,” Boone noted on April 5.
The Dominican player has continuously expressed his gratitude towards the Yankees’ supportive fan base, making his first walk-up song Jay-Z’s “Empire State of Mind,” in the team’s home opener to stir up excitement among fans.
The Winning Streak and Soto’s Contributions
The young player has made significant contributions to the Yankees’ successful run. Starting with a four-game sweep against the Houston Astros, followed by series wins against the Arizona Diamondbacks and Toronto Blue Jays, Soto has remained at the forefront of the team’s success.
At the plate, Soto is currently averaging .357/.462/.548 across 11 games this season. With two home runs, two doubles, and an impressive 10 RBIs, Soto was instrumental in securing a lead against Josh Hader on March 31 with an important RBI single.
His significance isn’t limited to batting; Soto has been active on the pitch too. His game-saving throw from right field on opening day cut down the tying run, affirming the 25-year-old’s presence in almost every Yankees victory.
With the current form, the Yankees show strong potential to be a dominant force in the American League, further strengthened by the anticipated return of injured stars Gerrit Cole and DJ LeMahieu. As Soto continues to foster his connection with the fans and contribute to the team’s victories, a promising season lies ahead for the Yankees.