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Three Biggest Winners and Losers From the New York Yankees First Half

The first half of the MLB season is over. Who are the biggest winners and losers on the Yankees roster?

By Nicholas Rome

Jun 29, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New York Yankees outfielder Alex Verdugo (24) looks on against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Sousa-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 29, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New York Yankees outfielder Alex Verdugo (24) looks on against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Sousa-USA TODAY Sports / Kevin Sousa-USA TODAY Sports
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Winner: Juan Soto

When the Yankees traded for Juan Soto everyone fantasized about what the Yankees lineup could look like with Aaron Judge and Soto atop the lineup. The pair is off to an incredible start to the season as they're each giving each other some of the best protection they've had in their careers.

On the season, Soto is hitting .300 with a .431 on-base percentage with 23 home runs, 66 RBIs, and five stolen bases. Heading towards free agency, all Soto has done is increase his asking price continuing to prove he's arguably the best hitter in baseball.

Loser: Alex Verdugo

The Yankees made the rare move of trading with the Boston Red Sox this offseason to acquire Alex Verdugo as the team looked to get more left-handed. While Soto has exceeded all expectations, Verdugo has done the opposite struggling in the field and at the plate.

Verdugo is hitting just .238 with 10 home runs, 45 RBIs, and a .675 OPS. The fielding struggles hit their peak in the Yankees' final game before the All-Star Break as Verdugo misplayed a fly ball to left field that cost the Yankees the game and the chance to head into the All-Star Break leading the American League East.

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