New York Yankees sluggers Juan Soto and Aaron Judge will bat third and fourth in the American League’s order in the 2024 MLB All-standout Game on Tuesday night, respectively, which means that while Soto is certain to face prospective Pirates standout Paul Skenes, Judge requires someone to reach base ahead of him to face him. Soto made a pledge when speaking with the MLB Network crew.
“I’ll make sure he faced him,” Juan Soto remarked on MLB Network.
"I'll make sure he faces him." – Juan Soto on a potential Aaron Judge vs Paul Skenes matchup in the #AllStarGame pic.twitter.com/ZZdlEjBCND
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) July 15, 2024
It would be wonderful to watch Paul Skenes face off against Soto and Aaron Judge in the opening inning. Skenes is set to face Steven Kwan of the Cleveland Guardians, Gunnar Henderson of the Baltimore Orioles, and Soto. It will be one of the most anticipated first innings of an All-Star Game in recent memory, and it will be a spectacle regardless of whether Judge steps up to the plate. If Skenes does not face Judge, it indicates that his stuff was good enough to get three great hitters out: Steven Kwan, Gunnar Henderson, and Soto.
Soto also discussed Skenes’ All-Star appearance just a year after being taken first overall by the Pirates in the 2023 MLB Draft.
“He’s just incredible,” Soto remarked on MLB Network. “It’s unbelievable to witness a person like that put on the performance he has. You know, he’s a young guy; he’s just coming in, strutting his stuff, and everything. It’s quite electric, so we’ll see how it goes.”
Soto’s greatest strength is his plate discipline, as he rarely chases pitches beyond the strike zone. Skenes’ stuff is as good as anyone’s, so it will be interesting to see if Soto can maintain the same technique while remaining in the striking zone.
Yankees look to make run in second half for AL East title
The Yankees are currently 58-40 overall, one game behind the Orioles for the lead in the American League East, and it appears that the two clubs will compete until the end of the season to determine the victor. It will be interesting to watch who wins. It would be foolish to overlook the Boston Red Sox, who are 4.5 games behind the Yankees and 3.5 back.
New York has struggled in recent months, but with a strong second half, it is still in contention for the American League East title. Brian Cashman will also aim to add some reinforcements at the MLB Trade Deadline in a few weeks, as the Yankees need to cover holes in the infield and bullpen.
Brian Cashman might sign an infielder who can play first, second, or third. It will be interesting to see who is recruited, since even someone who can slot into the bottom half of the roster and provide depth would be quite beneficial. The Yankees might also look for someone who matches the profile of a leadoff batter.
Regardless, the Yankees are attempting to capitalize on their one guaranteed year with both Soto and Judge.
