MLB Yankees Early Domination: 5 Reasons Why They’re Back
Sammy Jacobs
Host · Writer
5. “Heavy At-Bats”
Yankee manager Aaron Boone has talked about his team having “heavy at-bats” this season. That means his lineup’s at-bats will weigh on the pitcher and cause stress. Through five games, it has. The Yankees have worked 26 walks already and have a .331 average of balls put in play.
1. Juan Soto Effect
Juan Soto was the prize acquisition for the Yankees in the offseason, and that investment paid early dividends. Through the season's first five games, Soto is hitting .450 with an OPS of 1.210. He’s already saved a game with his defense and knocked in a go-ahead run in the ninth inning. His energy, work ethic, and joy of playing the game are infectious.
2. Anthony Volpe and Oswaldo Cabrera Hitting
The Yankees are counting on Anthony Volpe and Oswaldo Cabrera to be much better than they were in 2023. So far, they have been two of the main stars on offense. Volpe is hitting .571 with a 1.667 OPS while making more contact and putting balls in play. Cabrera almost did not make the opening-day roster, but an injury opened a spot, and he’s been on fire, starting the year with two home runs and a .400 batting average.
3. The Bullpen has Been Lights Out
The Yankees bullpen has allowed one earned run over 19.2 innings through five games. Those numbers will be tough to continue throughout the season, but with a starting staff still finding their way, the bullpen has already afforded the Yankees three come-from-behind wins in 2024.
4. Starting Staff Fillining In
There were plenty of negative feelings surrounding the Yankees when it was announced Gerrit Cole would miss the early part of the season with an elbow injury. The starting rotation was filled with question marks about who can bounce back from injury and whether or not Marcus Stroman can succeed in pinstripes. So far, the Yankees starting staff has been solid. Nestor Cortes settled in after a shaky start, but all five starters have looked solid through one rotation.
5. “Heavy At-Bats”
Yankee manager Aaron Boone has talked about his team having “heavy at-bats” this season. That means his lineup’s at-bats will weigh on the pitcher and cause stress. Through five games, it has. The Yankees have worked 26 walks already and have a .331 average of balls put in play.
1. Juan Soto Effect
Juan Soto was the prize acquisition for the Yankees in the offseason, and that investment paid early dividends. Through the season's first five games, Soto is hitting .450 with an OPS of 1.210. He’s already saved a game with his defense and knocked in a go-ahead run in the ninth inning. His energy, work ethic, and joy of playing the game are infectious.
