Made for New York: Juan Soto's elite skills are worthy of a long-term commitment

SAN DIEGO – Juan Soto would be a big hit in New York, no question.

Just ask Pat Roessler, who could naturally see this coming down Broadway.

As an assistant hitting coach on the Washington Nationals, Roessler arrived two seasons into Juan Soto’s dynamic big-league arrival, and they were reunited with the Yankees this spring.

Wouldn’t there be added pressure for Soto to perform in his free agent walk year, on a team with big expectations and a fan base that can be impatient and harsh with imported stars?

“We talked about that early in spring,’’ said Roessler, as a smile began to form. “He could be playing in front of 50,000 or nobody, like we did during the Covid season, and he can lock into his at-bat.’’

Not only is Soto locked in, but he’s all in.

He’s completely engaged with the crowds at Yankee Stadium - an instant bonding in the Bronx.

As Soto returns to San Diego for the Yankees’ weekend series against the Padres, his previous team, Soto is already as much of a must-sign player in pinstripes as Aaron Judge.

Reasons to make a long-term commitment to Juan Soto

Inside of two months, Soto has been the key figure in the Yankee lineup’s transformation.

Already a fan favorite through his performance and interactions, Soto has won over the clubhouse with a discipline to his work that has impressed the Yankees captain.

“He wants to be the best in the game,’’ said Judge. “And that’s showing every night.’’

Following Soto’s two-homer night Wednesday, Nestor Cortes mentioned “how much he cares’’ and “how young he is.’’

Soto won’t turn 26 until October, and he’s in the lineup daily.

Related: How Yankees' 2025 payroll could revolve around accommodating a mega Juan Soto contract

“It’s pretty amazing to watch day in and day out,’’ Cortes said of Soto’s behind-the-scenes work, while Judge termed his commitment as “nonstop.’’

A recent 3-for-27 slide had Soto working overtime to relocate his A-swing, though he could be slightly off his standards (and producing) and still feel the need for extra cage work.

“Whatever you’re not feeling, I’ll take that,’’ Judge said of Soto’s penchant for such drills, while maintaining a .300-plus batting average and a .970 OPS.

“I feel like he’s been locked in all season,’’ said Judge. “And it’s been impressive to watch.’’

How unique is Juan Soto as a hitter?

“His ability to have strike zone discipline, barrel accuracy and power – that’s a really rare skillset,’’ said Roessler.

“Juan Soto’s judgment of the strike zone is unheard of,’’ Marcus Stroman said earlier this season.

Soto’s elite skills at not chasing pitches, and in barreling pitches and making hard contact – at the 98-99 percent rate among MLB hitters this year – are already legendary.

“Actually, when he makes an out, it’s more of a surprise than anything,’’ said Roessler.

“I try to swing at strikes,’’ Soto said earlier this year. “Even when they’re flipping me the ball from the side (in drills), if it’s not a strike, I just let it go by. I just try to train myself like that.’’

Yankees GM Brian Cashman on Juan Soto: 'His personality fits the team, our fan base'

Entering this year, maybe you wondered if Soto might take too many walks in RBI spots, or if the short right field porch at Yankee Stadium might cause him to alter his natural left-center power swing.

Well, Soto leads the club with 41 RBI batting in the No. 2 spot, and six of his 13 home runs this year have been hit to center or left, including his two Wednesday night – one driven into the visiting bullpen.

“I always say whenever I’m hitting balls that way…it tells you my swing is going in the right way,’’ said Soto, who has impacted the entire lineup.

“He could go up there, swing at the first pitch, and hit it into the seats,’’ said Judge. “Or he’ll have an eight-nine pitch at-bat, battling off some tough pitches.

“Anybody who’s facing Juan, they’re coming with their best,’’ said Judge. Batting directly behind Soto, “I get a chance to see what they’re trying to do.’’

Juan Soto an instant hit with Yankees fans

Soto’s recent two-homer night brought out the “M-V-P!’’ chants, part of the nightly give-and-take with the right field fans.

“They’re part of the game, they’re part of the team,’’ said Soto, also boosted by the large portion of Dominican fans cheering him on.

“I’m enjoying every part of it, I’m having fun with it. You never know how long it’s going to be like that. I try to soak it all in.’’

Having sampled the Soto Experience, the Stadium fans would be shattered if this were a limited run.

“He likes the energy and all that of this ballpark,’’ said Roessler. “He loves his teammates, and he loves being in this lineup.’’

In turn, the players have “really made me feel comfortable in this lineup and this clubhouse,’’ said Soto. “(I’m) trying to bring that good energy, trying to be that positive guy every day.’’

And if the fans were in Hal Steinbrenner’s shoes, they’d have already authorized a “whatever-it-takes’’ approach with agent Scott Boras to keep Soto in pinstripes for a long time.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Juan Soto made for New York, worthy of mega contract with Yankees