Yankees’ Juan Soto reacts to monster multihomer game vs. White Sox

Soto is in his first season with the team, after agreeing to a deal this offseason. The outfielder has kept his strong offense going in New York, after years of success with the San Diego Padres and Washington Nationals. Soto has 11 home runs so far this season, to go with 37 runs batted in.  He’s hitting at a red-hot .317 average, including going 4-for-4 on Saturday. The outfielder is truly impressing New Yorkers, as he is smashing home runs while at the same time negotiating on a long-term deal with the club.

“You’ve got to put in the work,” Soto added. “I’ve been working on my swing, working with my hitting coaches, watching videos –trying everything that we could to get that feeling back. I think we are in a good spot.”

Soto’s bat actually cooled down a little at the start of May. He had only one home run during the month before Saturday’s monster outing. He’s finding his groove again, notching 8 hits in the last 6 games. Soto has got the Yankees at the top of the American League East, with a 32-15 record. Saturday’s game was the 18th time in his career that Soto has hit multiple home runs in a contest.

The outfielder has made the last three All-Star games, and is making a case that he should go for a fourth consecutive year. Soto has also won the Silver Slugger Award the last four seasons. He was the National League Batting Champion during the 2020 season, while a member of the Nationals.

New York’s outlook

The Yankees are looking to bounce back in 2024 after a disappointing 2023 campaign. The team brought in Soto to help the offense, after going only 82-80 last season. For the first time in several years, the Yankees missed the 2023 postseason.

New York is finding good rhythm not only on offense, but from its pitching too. Yankees hurler Luis Gil struck out 14 batters on Saturday. His pitching, along with the powerful pop of offense, is giving Yankees manager Aaron Boone something to smile about.

“It’s a really confident group right now,” Boone said, per MLB.com. “It is really good to see them doing it in all ways.”

The Yankees are back in action on Sunday against the White Sox. The first pitch is at 1:35 Eastern. Chicago enters the game with a 14-32 record.