Juan Soto Traded To The New York Yankees
It has finally happened: Juan Soto is being sent from the San Diego Padres to the New York Yankees. The first major blockbuster of the 2023 Offseason is now upon us, and the news was made official on Twitter/X by Joel Sherman Wednesday evening.
Brian Cashman will send a big package to AJ Preller that includes pitcher Michael King, prospect Drew Thorpe, relievers Jhony Brito and Randy Vasquez, as well as catcher Kyle Higashioka.
It does sting for the Yanks, but for a Top-10 player, it’s a price you must pay. They will also acquire outfielder Trent Grisham in the deal; the two-time Gold Glover will line up as a fourth outfielder in the Bronx. It is the second trade for the Bronx Bombers in as many days after they acquired Alex Verdugo from the Red Sox Tuesday.
With this domino falling, you must think more deals will come down the pipeline.
Fireworks On 161st:
Adding a game-changer like Soto is exactly what this team needed after their abysmal 2023 season. Even with the risk that it’s for one year, seeing the 2019 World Champion and 2022 AL MVP Aaron Judge play together is too good to pass up. You’d have to think that if Shohei Ohtani moves to the National League, then one of those two would be in pole position to win American League MVP in 2024.
The addition of Soto will also not affect Cashman’s pursuit of Japanese ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto. While it’s plausible to say they need more, it looks like a return of sorts to the Evil Empire of old.
The Dominican star was very good in 2023, despite some calling it a “down year.” He powered 35 home runs and 109 RBIs on a .275/.410/.519 slash line. No one can deny that his lethal lefty swing was made for Yankee Stadium:
Welcome to the #Yankees, Juan Soto.
— Jake Asman (@JakeAsman) December 6, 2023
pic.twitter.com/ecSnP3B9Cq
I’m not a betting man, but the Yankees should not have a bottom-ten offense next year. The duo of Soto and Judge is easily up there with Ronald Acuña-Matt Olson and Mookie Betts–Freddie Freeman as one of the best in baseball. If some of their other sluggers are able to have bounce-back seasons, then the Yanks fortunes could turn around very quickly. Concerns over putting Judge in center field after his toe injury are more than warranted. However, Aaron Boone has the chance to revive his standing with the fans in the final year of his contract. If he can balance his lineup, his outfielders, and the all-important DH spot, having a healthy and rolling squad in October will boost everyone.
Rental Or Returning?
Obviously, as a Scott Boras client, things could get hairy as the months go on. You’d have to think the Yankees will do everything they can to put on a good audition in 2024. It’s fair to assume they could improve their chances of extending him by having a year with him in-house. Soto has already voiced his respect for New York, Yankees fans, and what it means to play at the house George built. Regardless of your opinions, this is a crucial day in the history of the franchise.
Dec. 6, 2023, has the chance to be a watershed moment for the New York Yankees. They have acquired superstar Juan Soto with their sights seemingly set on even more for this Winter.
