New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone has been blessed with stars in his Yankee lineup, but how will he set the batting order to get the most out of the team? He has plans for what his lineup could look like including who could bat around Aaron Judge. Here is how he wants to utilize his new-look lineup before Opening Day.
New York Yankees Starting Lineup
Star-Studded Lineup
On Friday, Boone clued at that answer. In a recent appearance on the show Foul Territory, former home-run derby champ Todd Frazier asked the skipper about where he will bat the perennial MVP candidates Judge and Juan Soto.
Aaron Boone says Juan Soto will bat second and Aaron Judge will bat third
He mentions DJ LeMahieu, Alex Verdugo and Gleyber Torres as leadoff options pic.twitter.com/r2ekdBu7LE
— Talkin’ Yanks (@TalkinYanks) January 19, 2024
New Order
If this stays true, this would be a big change for Judge. Throughout his career, he’s always been the everyday 2-hitter for the Bombers, and it’s worked out well for him. Since joining the Yankees’ lineup, Judge has earned an MVP, Rookie of the Year, and five All-Star appearances – all while being second.
But the recent addition of superstar Juan Soto offers New York flexibility they haven’t had before. The 25-year-old has a career .421 OBP and has been a nightmare to pitch to since he turned pro. By batting him second, Aaron Boone can increase Judge’s likelihood of having someone on base when he gets to the plate, increasing his chances of driving in more runs this season.
But as the video says, the lineup depends on who sticks in the leadoff spot. All three are solid options to bat first, so it most likely will come down to Spring Training performances to see who wins it.
How It Shakes Out
Yankees general manager Brian Cashman has not been shy about making moves this offseason. After a letdown 2023, he rebuilt his depleted outfield and has been active on the pitching market.
The team will have to answer many questions this year if they are to compete in a loaded AL East. One is to see if last year’s lack of run production was just a fluke or not. By batting Soto second, they’re looking to prove it was the former.
Photo Credit: © Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
