NEW YORK Last month, the Yankees made a major splash when they acquired right-hander Michael King and catcher Kyle Higashioka in exchange for outfielders Juan Soto and Trent Grisham from the Padres.
Grisham is expected to strengthen the outfield defense, while Soto is projected to boost a Yankees offense that ranked 25th in runs scored (673), and 29th in batting average (.227). Grisham and San Diego shared two Gold Gloves.
Tony Gwynn Jr., a Padres radio broadcaster, the son of the Baseball Hall of Famer of the same name, and an eight-year Major Leaguer (2006–14), witnessed both Soto and Grisham up close. Gwynn thinks Soto will be able to adapt well enough to the Big Apple. Gwynn stated that in addition to using Yankee Stadium’s short porch in right field, Soto will utilize the entire field to hit home runs and drive in runs. Baseball Savant reports that 13 of Soto’s 35 home runs in 2023 were hit to left or left-center field, demonstrating Gwynn’s thesis.
Soto just finished a season that saw him lead the Major Leagues with 132 walks and lead the Padres in home runs and RBIs (109). Soto’s slash line for the second half of the 2023 season was.286/.399/.568.
“Soto has my highest regard,” Gwynn remarked. Observing him play on a daily basis allows you to observe his approach to the plate. It makes no difference if the score is 0-0 or 12-1; he is not making any moves.
“Soto may be among the select few batters I’ve seen who won’t pursue the ball.” Even though his timing is inconsistent, he consistently hits the ball well. I absolutely expect him to flourish in New York; in the second half of the [2023] season, he really turned it on. He will drive the ball to the other field when he is performing at his best.
Regarding Grisham, none will contest his outfield defensive abilities. However, Gwynn feels that in terms of Grisham’s abilities in the batter’s box, Grisham needs to hear from a different perspective. James Rowson, the hitting coach for the Yankees Minor League team that assisted Aaron Judge in his development as a batter, will be that voice.
For instance, Grisham hit a combined.191 with 30 home runs during the previous two years. He did, however, demonstrate some life at bat in the 2022 postseason. Grisham went 4-for-8 with two home runs against the Mets in the National League Wild Card Series and 4-for-13 with a home run against the Dodgers in the NL Division Series.
Grisham is currently anticipated to play defense in the final innings after coming off the bench.
Gwynn remarked, “Perhaps someone on the Yankees will say something that will click.” “He is capable of attacking play. It’s not like he lacks attacking ability. However, he experiences extended stretches of inactivity. However, when he is clicking, as we seen in the National League Division Series and the Wild Card Series, he is a highly effective offensive player. However, he hasn’t been able to accomplish so reliably. There isn’t going to be anyone better on the defensive.
When asked whether Grisham would succeed in New York, Gwynn replied, “It’s hard to say he won’t do well.” I believe that occasionally, criticism bothers him. It’s every man for himself in New York when it comes to [criticism]. It will be interesting to observe his level of success. I won’t claim that he can’t succeed, but I will definitely be keeping an eye on him. It’s not quite the same as Juan’s, in my opinion.
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