In a blockbuster move that shook the baseball world, Juan Soto found a new home with the New York Yankees in December 2023. The trade, which saw the Yankees send Jhony Brito, Kyle Higashioka, Michael King, Drew Thorpe, and Randy Vásquez to the San Diego Padres, also brought outfielder Trent Grisham to New York. Now, reflecting on an eventful 2024, Yankees management and fans are united in their sentiment, succinctly captured by the statement, “Yes, it was worth it.”
A Standout Season
Juan Soto’s impact was immediate and profound during his maiden season with the Yankees. Playing 157 games in 2024, Soto delivered an exceptional batting line of .288/.419/.569, boasting an OPS+ of 178. His 41 home runs and over 300 total bases were a testament to his offensive prowess, while his keen eye at the plate was evident in his 127 unintentional walks, compared to 119 strikeouts. Soto emerged as a key figure in the American League, leading in runs scored with 128, further affirming his value to the Yankees.
Postseason Performance
Soto continued his formidable play into the postseason, particularly shining in the American League Championship Series against the Cleveland Guardians. His 1.373 OPS and three home runs were crucial in propelling the Yankees toward the World Series. In the Division Series against the Kansas City Royals, Soto maintained a strong .389 on-base percentage, showcasing his consistent ability to get on base and be a critical player in high-stakes games.
Come the World Series, Soto faced off against the Los Angeles Dodgers with poise and skill. Batting .313/.522/.563, he contributed a home run and displayed remarkable plate discipline, drawing seven walks while striking out only twice. Despite Soto’s efforts, the Yankees narrowly missed capturing the championship, with the Dodgers eking out a victory by just one run over the entire series.
Impact Beyond the Field
Juan Soto's influence extended beyond the stat sheet, notably impacting Yankees’ home attendance in 2024, which saw a marked increase from the previous year. His presence on the team inspired a rejuvenated fanbase, eager to witness the performances of their new superstar each game day.
In a surprising turn of events, Soto agreed to a contract with the New York Mets, valued at a staggering $765 million over 15 years. This deal, without deferred payments, reflects the confidence the Mets have in Soto’s long-term ability to shape their team’s future success. The switch from Yankees pinstripes to Mets blue and orange is one that adds an interesting narrative to Soto's evolving professional journey.
The trade, the performance, and the subsequent move across town encapsulate a year of extraordinary highs and poignant lows for Soto and the Yankees. His influence on and off the field has left an indelible mark on New York baseball, and as the stories of Juan Soto's career continue to unfold, the question of his worth to the Yankees remains unequivocally answered: "Yes, it was worth it." The stage is set for Soto to continue captivating and inspiring baseball fans, now in a different borough, with an eye on further cementing his legacy in the game.