Published By: Sports Desk
Last Updated: February 20, 2024, 00:00 IST
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Juan Soto gave some new which means to delight of the Yankees.
TAMPA, Fla.: Juan Soto gave some new which means to delight of the Yankees.
On his first day along with his new staff, the 25-year-old star outfielder walked right into a information convention within the tent behind third base sporting a navy T-shirt with white print that proclaimed: “The generational Juan Soto.”
His prediction for his manufacturing in a lineup alongside 2022 AL MVP Aaron Judge was simply as daring.
“It’s going to be two walks or it’s going to be two gappers,” Soto mentioned Monday.
A 3-time All-Star, Soto was acquired from San Diego on Dec. 6 together with outfielder Trent Grisham for 4 pitchers and catcher Kyle Higashioka. Soto hit .275 with 35 homers, 109 RBIs and a .930 OPS in his solely full season with the Padres, leaving him with a .284 common, 160 homers, 483 RBIs and a .946 OPS in six main league seasons that included a 2019 World Series title with Washington.
Soto is eligible free of charge company after the World Series, so it’s unclear whether or not he’ll turning into a longtime pinstriper like Lou Gehrig, topic of the 1942 film “The Pride of the Yankees.”
Soto turned down a $440 million, 15-year supply from Washington earlier than the Nationals dealt Soto to San Diego in August 2022, betting Soto would acquire a greater deal as a free agent after the 2024 season.
“You put the pressure on yourself,” Soto mentioned, “and at the end of the day I just try to throw that away and go out there and play baseball, just try to show what I have and try my best.”
Born within the Dominican Republic, Soto regarded ahead to enjoying with the Yankees, who’ve a major Latino fan base.
“It’s going to be electric,” he mentioned. “It’s going to feel like home.”
Soto praised Robinson Canó, an eight-time All-Star second baseman who performed for the Yankees from 2005-13 and was Soto’s Dominican teammate finally yr’s World Baseball Classic.
“That’s the guy who I followed since I was a little kid and a guy I want to be like,” Soto mentioned.
Soto has 4 homers in six profession video games and 23 at-bats in Yankee Stadium. He reminded himself to not let the ballpark influence his swing.
“Definitely don’t go crazy with a short porch in right field,” he mentioned.
Soto is letting agent Scott Boras cope with contract talks. Most Boras purchasers of their prime wait till after turning into free brokers to barter offers.
“I just let Scott do it,” Soto mentioned. “He’s tough. I have a lot of trust in him and what he’s going to do.”
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AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB
(This story has not been edited by News18 employees and is printed from a syndicated information company feed – Associated Press)
