NFL
By Billy Lewis
The day baseball fans have been waiting for is finally here, Opening Day! The New York Yankees kick off their 2024 campaign against the Houston Astros.
Unfortunately, Gerrit Cole won’t be on the mound for the Yankees due to his injury. Nestor Cortes will get the honor for the 2024 season. As it seems to be the case for the Yankees, the injury bug is still showing its ugly head.
DJ Lemahieu is starting the season on the Injured List after fouling a ball off his foot on March 16. To try to fill the void left by LeMahieu’s absence the Yankees traded for infielder Jon Berti.
Opening Day is always an exciting time and despite the injury concerns, Yankee fans still have reasons to be excited. We will get to see Juan Soto make his regular-season debut for the Bronx Bombers. With the possibility of Soto being a one-year rental, fans can expect a big season from the free agent to be.
Despite only playing 106 games last season Aaron Judge still managed to hit 37 home runs, he’ll be looking to pass the 40 home run threshold for the third time in his career.
New York Yankees 2024 Expectations
The Yankees say the mantra is World Series or bust. They haven’t won or been to the World Series since 2009 when they beat the Phillies in six games. After missing the playoffs last season, they’ll be looking to make a deep October run.
Trading for Soto feels like an all-in move for the Yankees. Considering Soto may not be a Yankee after 2024, they’ll have to capitalize on this opportunity. Soto is 40 home runs shy of 200 for his career. If he uses the short porch to his advantage he can set his career high in homers (currently 35) and cross the 200 home run threshold in Yankee pinstripes.
If the Yankees are able to stay healthy, they should have a legitimate opportunity to win the World Series. Fans have to hope Cole comes back around June and stays healthy for the rest of the season.
Prediction: 89-73 loss in ALDS
Bold Prediction: Juan Soto wins his first career MVP
