MLB
Marcus Stroman on board with the New York Yankees: “Juan Soto is the best hitter I’ve ever faced in the MLB”
The pitcher was full of praise for his new teammate Juan Soto - both offseason arrivals as part of the Yankees’ rebuilding program.
Marcus Stroman became a luxury reinforcement for the New York Yankees, joining the franchise in a $37 million deal during the offseason. The 32-year-old gave his impressions on joining Aaron Boone’s team in a video call interview with Bryan Hoch and in particular, his reunion with Dominican baseball player Juan Soto - with whom there was some friction in the past.
Aiming high
“I think we’re capable definitely of a deep October run - that’s obviously the goal. That’s why we play this game - to win championships and to go deep into October. I’ve already talked openly about Soto in the past before. I openly believe he’s the best hitter in baseball. I think him and [Aaron] Judge are arguably one, two, top three, four, five guys in baseball - depending on how you want to cut it. Competing against Soto... man, he’s incredible. I’ve faced some good hitters, but I always tell everyone that Soto is the best hitter I have ever faced. His knowledge of the strike zone is second to none. And his ability to fire on pitches in the zone, his pitch recognition... he’s just different,” Stroman enthused.
Juan Soto’s numbers
Juan José Soto recently signed an agreement for $31 million in his last year of salary arbitration - the most lucrative contract for an arbitration-eligible player in the history of the Major Leagues, surpassing the $30 million deal which Shohei Ohtani strick with the Los Angeles Angles last year.
The outfielder joins fresh from winning the Silver Bat last season, in which he maintained an average of .275/.410/.519, 32 doubles, 35 home runs, 109 RBIs, 12 stolen bases.