2024-04-22 05:33:52
This article is compiled from Judge or Soto? Who matters most to the Yankees in 24? MLB executives decide
Abbott or Costello? Buzz or Woody? Wayne or Garth? Joey or Chandler?
Power duos have always been part of this generation’s culture, just like baseball, especially in the Bronx. Like Ruth and Gehrig, Mantle and Maris, and Jeter and Bernie.
After acquiring Juan Soto in the preseason, three-time All-Star and 2022 American League MVP Aaron Judge becomes the Stripes’ latest epic duo.
Judge, who was named captain following signing with the Yankees for nine years and $360 million ahead of the 2023 season, is undoubtedly the face of the team’s new generation, but in the 2024 season, which of will these two sluggers make a greater contribution to the Yankees?
We asked league executives the same question: Who is more important to the Yankees this season, Judge or Soto?
- Judge: 8 votes
- Soto: 6 votes
- Tie: 1 vote
The judge ultimately won by two votes, with another executive unable to decide on this difficult choice.
“Judge, because he represents the Yankees,” one National League executive said. “Everyone knows he’ll stay there, and while everyone also hopes Soto stays, it’s not a sure thing yet. I think as long as Judge plays well, the team’s record will follow. If he doesn’t play well, the team There will be no improvement, but the other 29 teams in the league will want to face this difficult and happy problem.
“The answer has to be the judge, doesn’t it,” said another National League executive. “No matter how well Soto performs, his contribution to the team over the past two seasons remains a gap that is difficult to bridge.”
Judge got off to a slow start to the season, hitting just .189/.337/.378 with three homers and 11 RBIs through the first 20 games. But unlike last year, as soon as he went on the disabled list, the Yankees offensive line dropped to freezing point. This year, they ranked in the top five in the league in various offensive metrics.
Compared to him, Soto performed extremely well following joining the Yankees. He posted a .347/.468/.600 average in 20 games, plus five home runs and 20 RBIs. He also made a league-high 18 goals.
“I’d take Soto,” one National League executive said. “His ability to get on base takes a lot of pressure off everyone else on the line, especially Judge, but also the guys who are going to get on base before him. The ability to send him back is also a big help for him during the contractual year.
Soto’s impending free agency has been mentioned by many, not only as a possible incentive to perform better, but also because this might be his only season in a Yankees uniform.
“I think Soto may be more important. The Yankees have spent a lot of money on potential prospects just to make sure he can stay more than one season or hit the open market. An executive of the National League said: “Ideally a good start to the season Soto had an outstanding season, built good relationships and wanted to stay, but that is not common among Boras’ clients.
Another executive said it was a “tough decision” and that ultimately Soto was the southpaw who was the key to victory. This not only makes the Yankees line more balanced, but also perfectly matches the characteristics of Yankee Stadium.
Many people are unable to give a definitive answer and struggle before giving the definitive answer.
“Given their line structure, Judge might benefit from Soto’s walks and hits, which would lead to a successful line,” an American League executive said. “I’d say it’s regarding 55-45, with options for both sides.”
No one disputes the contributions of both sluggers in the strike zone, but two people mentioned Judge’s ability to guard center field as the dividing line between the two.
“Judge has the ability to contribute on both ends of the court,” said a National League executive, “while Soto’s contribution comes primarily from his hitting.”
“Judge occupied the middle of the field,” said another National League executive. “Even though Soto’s strikeout-to-walk ratio was incredible, he (Judge) was the most contributing player all season.”
Judge has been a force to be reckoned with in the Yankees’ lineup since his epic rookie season in 2017, but although the Yankees have reached the ALCS three times in his seven-year career, they haven’t not done yet. World events. This became the key for an executive to choose Soto.
“The Yankees have Judge but it’s not enough,” said one American League executive. “They need Judge to play normally and Soto to have an exceptional season.”
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