Two New York Yankees players were honored with All-MLB First Team selections on Thursday.
Aaron Judge and Juan Soto were named to the All-MLB First Team for their outstanding performances during the 2024 regular season. The two players formed a powerful duo in the Bronx Bombers’ lineup and both had some of the best seasons of their respective careers.
The captain was one of several key players on the Yankees’ 94-win regular season and World Series appearance team. He led MLB with 10.8 wins above replacement, 58 home runs, 144 runs batted in, 133 walks, a .458 on-base percentage, a .701 slugging percentage, and a 1.159 OPS. Judge also batted .322 and led the Bronx Bombers with 180 hits and 36 doubles.
The outfielder was named the American League Player of the Month in May, June, and August. He was also named to the All-Star-Game for the sixth time in his career, and he also won a Silver Slugger award. Judge is also one of three finalists for the American League MVP.
Soto produced a career-high 41 home runs and 7.9 wins above replacement, one spot ahead of Judge in the Yankees’ lineup. The outfielder slashed .288/.419/.569 while also driving in 109 runs and leading the AL with 128 runs scored.
Soto also started the All-Star Game for the American League in left field. He won a Silver Slugger Award and is a finalist for the AL MVP. The outfielder was also nominated for the Gold Glove in the corner outfield.
Judge will remain with the Yankees for years to come while Soto’s future is uncertain. He is a free agent and is expected to land one of the largest contracts in MLB history.
Casey Fahrer is a 2024 graduate of Syracuse University and a contributor to Inside The Pinstripes. He can be reached at caseyfahrer716@gmail.com.
