New York Yankees' Skipper Reveals Early Plans For 2024 Lineup
For the first time since acquiring Juan Soto in a trade earlier this offseason, New York Yankees' manager Aaron Boone discussed how he wants to utilize his new-look lineup.
Per the "Foul Territory" podcast:
"Right now probably Juan in the 2-hole, and Judgie third"
@AaronBoone discusses the Yankees potential batting order as the team begins to head to camp. https://youtube.com/watch?v=Z44zw31mpiE
In addition to hitting Soto second and Judge third, Boone said he'd like to see D.J. LeMahieu be the team's leadoff hitter.
First off, after acquiring Soto and Alex Verdugo this offseason, New York has done a good job at lengthening its lineup. After picking up Marcus Stroman, they've also done a good job at strengthening their rotation. These moves certainly put the Yankees in the category of teams that can compete for an AL pennant in 2024.
The Astros, Rangers and Orioles all figure to be in the mix with New York, while Tampa, Toronto and Seattle figure to have solid teams as well.
In acquiring Soto, the Yankees have gotten one of the best hitters in baseball - and one of the most accomplished hitters ever by the age of 25.
He's already a three-time All-Star, a four-time Silver Slugger and a batting champion. He also helped the Washington Nationals win the 2019 World Series and is a career .284 hitter with a .421 on-base percentage.
As for Judge: He is a five-time All-Star, a three-time Silver Slugger, a Rookie of the Year winner and an MVP winner.
Even with the injury that cost him two months last year, he hit .267 in 2023 with 37 home runs. He is the anchor of the team's lineup and one of the most feared hitters across the league.
LeMahieu hit .243 last season with 15 homers.
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