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.
THEEEEE YANKEES WIN!
JUAN SOTO IS FIRED UP! pic.twitter.com/sBGJcudlCZ
— Talkin' Yanks (@TalkinYanks) March 28, 2024
Social media had a lot to say about Soto’s strong debut and game-saving play.
YANKEES BASEBALL IS BACK. https://t.co/ZXDVQ6dRWe pic.twitter.com/ZlnLcW6bbs
— dukes 🦕 (@DukesGrin) March 28, 2024
"hE cAn'T pLaY tHe FiElD" https://t.co/sQkqSHmDwT
— Jon Alba (@JonAlba) March 28, 2024
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
Can’t believe we won this. Juan Soto is a god.
Opening Day and I already had 5 panic attacks. Baseball is so back https://t.co/3YfCbwGGIW
— Sawyer (@sawyer1216) March 28, 2024
