One of the biggest moves of the MLB offseason came in early December when the New York Yankees pitcher Michael King and other prospects for three-time All-Star outfielder Juan Soto.
Soto, who had spent his first six MLB seasons in the National League with the Washington Nationals before being moved to the Padres was seen as a player who could make an instant impact with the Yankees.
He did just that in the team’s 5-4 Opening Day win over the Houston Astros on Thursday, driving in a run and throwing out a runner at the plate in the bottom of the ninth inning to keep the Yankees ahead.
Juan Soto with a game-saving play in his Yankees debut!
#OpeningDay pic.twitter.com/HtkOKFefEr — The Comeback (@thecomeback) March 28, 2024
Astros outfielder Kyle Tucker hit a sharp groundball to Soto, who came up firing and nailed Mauricio Dubon at the plate for the second out of the inning. The call was upheld after a replay review and the Yankees held on for the victory.
Soto is set to be a free agent after this season, but with every incredible play he makes, the Yankees will certainly be more apt to try and give the 25-year-old an extension.
Soto was amped up after the victory, as well, running over to fellow outfielders Aaron Judge and Alex Verdugo to celebrate.
Social media had a lot to say about Soto’s strong debut and game-saving play.
put a contract in front of him for as many years and as much money as he wants right now https://t.co/R9CYqkfnUV
— Bill DiFilippo (@billdifilippo) March 28, 2024