“We are ready to roll,” Yankees’ manager Aaron Boone narrated ahead of the Spring Training. But their recent defeat in the Tuesday game against the New York Mets raises the question, for how far?
As in the 2023 season, the Pinstripes came across major setbacks because of their outfield rotation; they have made a few significant acquisitions in the off-season, hoping for a better outcome in the upcoming season. On that ground, the team’s manager recently revealed the outfield plans.
Their shaking outfield marked their worst season in 30 years in 2023. However, this year the Bronx Bombers have re-loaded with the aim to take their 28th world series title home. On the same lines, the team’s skipper is leaning towards keeping a certain group of four players in the outfield.
Aaron Boone let their fan have a breath of relief
Per the Athletic’s reporter Brendan Kuty, during an in-game interview with ESPN, the Pinstripes’ manager, Aaron Boone, revealed their outfielder lineup. Juan Soto in right field, Aaron Judge in center field, and Verdugo in left field. He also added that in terms of right field in Bronx or in shorter left field, the team will consider keeping Stanton as an option “periodically.”
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This all boils down to Judge, Soto and Verdugo being the outfield mainstays while Stanton serving as the designated hitter most of the times.
On one hand, the Yankees’ captain struggled for a significant amount of last season, missing around 50+games. On the other, the designated hitter/outfielder Stanton is coming off a career-worst season. Both the veterans are ready to bounce back with an aim to claim the World Series title. However, the latest acquisitions show promise.
While Soto hit 35 homers alongside 109 RBIs, alongside posting an outstanding .930 OPS beside with the Padres, Verdugo, having a lifetime .281 hitter and reigning Gold Glove finalist, is anticipated to improve the overall outfield performance of the team.
Beyond the pitched plans, the Yankees’ outfield depth extends to their bench, with options like Trent Grisham and Oswaldo Cabrera. Now, as the team is about to set foot in the regular season, projections talk about their overall strength to become the biggest challenge in the upcoming season.
The team aims to be strategic
The team’s skipper appears to be strategic, taking lessons from previous wrongdoings as the Pinstripes invested all their might to search for their colossal strength for the upcoming season, which landed the Dominican ace Juan Soto with the team. The four-time silver slugger appears to be one of the biggest strengths for his team.
Now, as he is about to pair with the Bronx’s captain, Aaron Judge, in the current season, the team’s pitching strength can be comprehended. On the other hand, Judge was on his highest form before the injury in 2023, and now, as he intends to make his robust return after defying the injury issues, fans can expect a thundering season ahead.
