Marcus Stroman, the New York Yankees’ recent pitching acquisition, has expressed his admiration for the team’s prized offseason addition, outfielder Juan Soto. Soto joined the Yankees via a blockbuster trade with the San Diego Padres last month, making him a significant addition to the roster.
During a conversation with New York media members, Stroman didn’t hold back in praising Soto, whom he considers the top hitter in MLB. He emphasized Soto’s remarkable knowledge of the strike zone and pitch recognition, highlighting his ability to distinguish balls from strikes better than even the umpires.
Stroman stated, “I’ve faced some good hitters, but I always tell everyone that Soto’s the best hitter I’ve ever faced. His knowledge of the strike zone is second to none. He probably knows a ball or strike better than the umpire does, and then his ability to just fire on pitches in the zone, his pitch recognition. He’s just different.”
Marcus Stroman says that Juan Soto is the best hitter he’s ever faced: pic.twitter.com/1eDrwKCeL5
— Yankees Videos (@snyyankees) January 18, 2024
With Soto now in the Yankees’ lineup, he is expected to pair up with Aaron Judge, creating a formidable 1-2 punch at the top of the batting order. Stroman anticipates that this combination will put significant pressure on opposing pitchers, saying, “I can’t imagine starters or pitchers having to face Soto and Judge back-to-back. That’s going to cause a little bit of stress within the minds of some pitchers having to face those two guys.”
The Yankees had a disappointing 82-80 record in 2023, but they are pinning their hopes on the additions of players like Soto, Stroman, and outfielder Alex Verdugo to rejuvenate the team and propel them back to success.