On August 29, 2024, Stephen A. Smith made a significant error during a live segment on ESPN’s “First Take.” He mistakenly claimed that Aaron Judge’s impressive season is partly due to Juan Soto batting behind him in the Yankees’ lineup. This statement has raised eyebrows among baseball fans and analysts alike.
Smith’s comments highlight a misunderstanding of the Yankees’ batting order, as Soto has consistently hit second while Judge has batted third this season.
Key takeaways:
- Stephen A. Smith misrepresented the Yankees’ batting order.
- Juan Soto has consistently batted second this season.
- Aaron Judge has hit third in all games.
- Judge’s success is due to his own performance, not Soto’s position.
Stephen A. Smith’s Blunder on Yankees’ Batting Order Explained
During a recent episode of “First Take,” Stephen A. Smith claimed that Juan Soto’s presence behind Aaron Judge in the batting order contributed to Judge’s historic season. However, this statement is inaccurate. Both players have maintained their respective positions throughout the season, with Soto batting second and Judge batting third. This means Soto has never been behind Judge in the lineup, challenging the logic of Smith’s assertion.
Understanding Aaron Judge’s Historic Season Without Juan Soto’s Influence
Aaron Judge is having a remarkable season, with 51 home runs and the potential to break his own record of 62 homers set in 2022. Despite the lack of a strong cleanup hitter protecting him in the lineup, Judge has thrived. This situation has made his achievements even more impressive, as pitchers often avoid giving him pitches to hit.
Juan Soto’s Role in the Yankees’ Lineup This Season
Juan Soto’s performance this season has also been noteworthy. His batting position has allowed him to shine, contributing to his career-best 37 home runs. Here are some key points about Soto’s impact:
- Soto has consistently batted second in the lineup.
- His performance is boosted by Judge batting behind him.
- Soto is on track for his highest OPS in a non-COVID season.
In conclusion, while Stephen A. Smith’s comments about the Yankees’ batting order were misguided, they have sparked important discussions about the dynamics of player performance in baseball.
