This year the Yankees won 12 more games than in 2023. The big difference by far was Juan Soto, whose 7.9 WAR is basically 2/3 of that improvement. Needless to say, the Yankees HAVE to bring him back next year. Soto and Stanton basically carried the offense, and the pitching staff bent but did not break. It's still hard to believe that the Yankees are pennant winners. They will be big underdogs against whichever NL team they play (Go Dodgers!). Still, tonight's just fun to appreciate this unexpected pennant, brought to them by the big new guy.
Underdogs against the Dodgers, I agree with you. If the Mets push through, the Yankees will be big favorites I believe.
ReplyDeleteSoto is gonna get paid this offseason. Can't believe I'm typing this... but I would rather have him resign with the Yankees... then end up with the Dodgers. As for the World Series... it's pretty cool that it's the Dodgers vs. Yankees. I thought I'd root for the Dodgers if it came to this (mainly b/c they're California). But after they killed my Padres... I'm not so sure. Maybe I'll just sit back and be a fan.
ReplyDeleteThe Dodgers are the new Steinbrenner-era Yankees. If they want him, they'll get him. (I think moving Betts back to the infield was a precursory move.)
ReplyDeleteSo happy to see the Yankees go to the WS! It'll be my first time.
ReplyDeleteReally hope they'll resign Soto.